Recycling center continues to grow

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - In the last three years, Valley Community for Recycling Solutions has collected nearly 2 million pounds of recyclable household items. In 2004, plant manager John Leclare estimates that more than 720,000 pounds were collected.

With record amounts of old newspapers, aluminum cans, scrap metal and glass continuing to pour in, VCRS decided to expand its collection days to offer drop-offs on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, the center also has drop-off containers available 24 hours a day throughout the week.

"There's definitely an increase in recycling out here," Leclare said. "Every week I get calls from people who've never been here before."

The nonprofit organization has changed considerably from its humble beginnings in the Wal-Mart parking lot six years ago. Back then VCRS was only able to collect material four times a year.

In December 2002, the organization moved into its current building at the corner of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway and North 49th State Street, less than a half mile from the Mat-Su Borough's central landfill.

Then, in fall 2003, VCRS got its first baler, which bundles cardboard, plastic jugs and paper so they are easily transported to Anchorage and sold to recycling businesses.

Leclare said most items are then sent out of state for final processing. Glass is the one item, however, that is recycled in Alaska. Polar Supply purchases the glass and then crushes it down into sand-blasting media.

Due to the record amount of material this year, VCRS has put in an order for a new baler that would further increase the center's capacity. Leclare said he hopes to get the new baler this spring.

"Then we'll be able to increase our capacity and take materials from larger businesses," he said.

Funding for the center comes from donations, grants and roughly $50,000 from the Mat-Su Borough. Leclare said the center projects that it could be self-sustaining in five years if it continues to expand.

An expanded recycling center could also mean that the nearby landfill would last longer. Last year, the borough put a new cell in the landfill that is estimated to last five years.

"Every bit we have here takes garbage out of the cell," Leclare said.

With expanded hours, the center is projecting another big year in 2005.

"Not only do we have new people coming, but the amount of material per car is also increasing as people learn more about what they can recycle," he said.

An education committee also helps increase overall recycling awareness in the Valley by bringing in school and scouting groups.

"The kids are then telling their parents about recycling," Leclare said, "and I'm starting to see the fruits of education."

Later this year, the center plans to increase its activities further by sponsoring Alaska's first-annual statewide recycling summit during the Alaska Forum on the Environment, which takes place Feb. 7-11 in Anchorage.

VCRS is closed on Saturdays associated with national holidays - New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas - and during the Alaska State Fair. People may call the main office for updated information during collection hours, at 745-5544.

Additional information on local recycling solutions is available at www.valleyrecycling.org

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.