Recycling efforts, options expand outside core area

As the Mat-Su Valley region continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the state, the problem of household refuse disposal continues to grow just as quickly. While residents in the Palmer-Wasilla area have a more direct access to the recycling resources, outlying communities are not as fortunate. Several smaller, more remote cities in the borough are taking matters into their own hands.

Working in tandem with the Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) in Palmer, the cities of Big Lake, Willow, and Talkeetna are making it easier, cheaper and ecologically more sound to properly dispose of unwanted items through recycling. VCRS made 40-cubic yard containers available to those municipalities at no charge. The communities in turn set the containers up for recycling.

Each container holds a particular recyclable. For instance, plastics are broken down by type, as are steel cans, paper and cardboard. Once full, VCRS arranges to have the containers hauled back to the Mat-Su central landfill in Palmer. By separating out the specific items, most can be baled, or packaged and either shipped to a facility that will manufacture post-consumer products of them.

Based on 2016 statistics, the Big Lake-Mid Valley recycling center generated the most tonnage—just under 24, Talkeetna and surrounding communities came through with almost 14 tons, and the Willow area just over five. According to the Talkeetna Recycling Works Facebook page, the grassroots group surpassed 20 tons in mid-August just since getting its program off the ground in August 2015.

However, when it comes to the number of customers utilizing the recycling availability at their respective transfer sites, Talkeetna came out on top. Throughout 2016, 1,403 customers made a visit to the Talkeetna facility while 1,394 individuals made the effort in the Big Lake-Mid Valley area. Just about half that number—611, made use of the Willow center. The overall effort allowed VCRS to make a total of 16 trips to empty filled containers. Again, Big Lake led the way with seven followed Talkeetna with five and Willow four.

The recycling center at each location is operated by volunteers. Talkeetna residents also have the luxury of recycling more than just the basic paper, plastic and metals. The community has arranged for occasional pick-ups of items such as batteries and glass.

The efforts of these borough communities helped VCRS reclaim almost 30 million pounds of items that would have ended up in the Mat-Su central landfill. That figure represents collecting from Jan. 1-Aug. 31 of 2016. Broken down, VCRS shipped out 155 tons locally, just under 808 tons statewide, just under four tons to is ReUse store and had just over 181 tons of inventory waiting to ship. That number almost matched the total collection statistics for 2015.

The following is a list of items collected for recycling at each location, its address, and most current available collection hours. These hours differ from regular transfer station hours. Various accepted plastics are stamped with a “recycle triangle” and number on the to identify its type.

Big Lake-Mid Valley—steel cans, plastic bottles PETE 1, plastic jugs HDPE 2, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and plastic bags. The center is open Thursday-Sunday noon-3 p.m. and located at 13507 Hollywood Road.

Talkeetna—aluminum cans, steel cans, mixed paper, PETE 1 plastic bottles, HDPE 2 plastic jugs, PP 5 plastic containers—one gallon or less and bottles. Hours are Tuesday 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 11a.m.-3 p.m. and it is located at mile marker 12.5 on Talkeetna Spur Road.

Willow—cleaned and crushed PETE 1 bottles, HDPE 2 jugs, bagged PP5 containers, bagged stretchy plastics, mixed paper and cardboard, bagged office paper, corrugated cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, bagged steel cans and lids. Hours are 15469 North Willow Station Road and hours are the second Saturday and last Tuesday of the month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The VCRS center itself accepts a wider array of items. A complete list of items it accepts, along with an explanation on each recyclable item can be found at the VCRS website www.valleyrecycling.org. The VCRS site also has a complete listing of sites that accept items it cannot.

Whenever possible, it’s best to rinse out containers. Not only does it keep odors down while storing, it makes it easier for separation at the recyclable’s final destination.