Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE -ÊBeginning next week, Winona Lake residents will put their recyclables at the curb with their regular trash.
Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District began delivering the recycle bins last week to 1,150 households and are finishing delivery this week.
"Winona Lake recycling will help the county reach its goal of a 50 percent reduction in the amount of trash in its landfill," said KCSWMD Director Marsha Eikenberry. "We anticipate a large diversion of trash from the landfill. Winona Lake is being very progressive in the county by doing this."
She said the project has taken much cooperation between the parties involved, including Winona Lake residents, the county, KCSWMD and others.
"We realize there will be some kinks that will need to be worked out along the way but we hope everyone will be flexible and work with us," Eikenberry said.
Winona Lake clerk-treasurer Retha Hicks said an important part of making the recycling project work was the grant KCSWMD received.
"We received $4,800 on the bins and $6,000 elsewhere. I think it would be very hard for us to finance this without the grant," Hicks said.
Edna Gamble, Winona Lake town council member and KCSWMD board member, said Eikenberry and Hicks were the real driving force behind the project.
Hicks said she wanted to thank the volunteers who helped deliver the bins. She said the delivery couldn't have been possible without the help of building commissioner Dick Leaf, Lisa and Caleb LeMasters, and Kelly and Morgan Hicks.
"We're very appreciative of people's patience and willingness to implement this program," Hicks said.
Once the recycling begins, Eikenberry said, there are several tips to remember.
She said newspapers and magazines can be bundled together with a string or brown grocery bag and put next to the recycling bin. Paperboard, such as cereal or macaroni boxes, can also be bundled with the newspapers.
Corrugated cardboard needs to be taken to the recycling center. Junk mail and office paper needs to be recycled during recycling day and not at curbside.
Only plastics one and two are recyclable at the curb. Eikenberry said residents should check the bottom of all plastic containers for the numbers before recycling them.
Labels do not have to be removed from recyclables.
If a bin is full and there are more items to be recycled, Eikenberry said, she recommends placing the recycling products in another container such as another bin or trash can. The container should be clearly labeled as recyclable products. Eikenberry said residents should not use any plastic bags. If residents want to recycle plastic bags, they can be taken to local grocery stores or Wal-Mart, she said.
Apartment complexes with dumpsters for trash will soon receive additional smaller dumpsters for recycling. Additional recycling bins can be purchased at the KCSWMD office for $5.50.
Any questions about the bins or the weekly pickup can be answered by the KCSWMD at 372-3087.
