Can the recycling center be saved?

M y sources tell me that there is a nonprofit organization in the community looking into the possibility of taking over operations at the Evelyn Stover Recycling Center in Weiser.

 The group still needs to run the idea by its board of directors and it is not a sure thing. It would be premature to speculate at this point if it will happen. There have been discussions is about all I can say.

 If there is no last-minute intervention, it appears the center will close and that will be the end of recycling in Weiser for now and possibly forever.

 Everyone who used the center, and even those who didn’t, should thank the volunteers with the Weiser River Resource Council for the four years of effort they put into keeping the recycling center up and going.

 They did it as a community service after the Kiwanis disbanded and it was never intended to be an indefinite project. They are involved with many other programs.

 They gave it four good years, which is commendable, and hoped that a recycling program would be launched during that time. It never happened. 

 Forget about a countywide recycling program for now. The numbers I have heard cited to start and maintain a countywide recycling program were all over the place and kept growing exponentially.

 Between the city and county, it certainly seems possible to keep just the Weiser recycling center going. It’s a great location and the population center is here.

 The Upper Country folks travel this direction and could continue to use the Weiser location. Someday, maybe they get their own recycling centers in those communities.

 When you start recycling, it’s hard to give it up without feeling guilty. I set aside a few things to take to the center, like cardboard or newsprint. 

 I take my plastic grocery bags to stores in Payette or Ontario that have a recycle bin for them. 

 I still hate the idea of throwing plastic water containers in the trash, but I can’t find anyplace to take them any longer. I erroneously thought there were companies that were recycling plastic and making all kinds of functional things, like picnic benches and fence posts.

 I know local residents who are scrupulous recyclers. They collect everything that can be taken to the center – tin cans, newspapers, cardboard and more.   

 They are so good about diverting items from the trash that they put out a garbage bag about once a month. Their commitment is impressive and civic minded.

 What has been disappointing is the lack of local champions for recycling among elected officials with the city and county. I never heard anyone say, “We can make this work.”

 I guess I would pose the question: If Adams County can do it why can’t Washington County? 

 The Weiser recycling center is named for the late Evelyn Stover, a woman with an unrivaled passion for recycling. It would be nice to keep her legacy going.

 Steve Lyon is the editor of the Weiser Signal American. Contact him at scoop@signalamerican.org