Talkeetna Recycling Cmte. Looks to "Raise the Bar" on Fundraising

Efforts to establish a recycling program in Talkeetna continue to make significant financial progress, which is prompting organizers to consider expanding expectations for the program.

The plan for the recycling program is to have one or more three-compartment containers in Talkeetna, which the Mat-Su Borough would be responsible for hauling to Valley Community Recycling Solutions.  The Mat-Su Solid Waste Division is backing the program as a cost-saving tool, since recycling could slow the rate at which new landfill cells must be opened.  The Borough Assembly will vote on spending more than $2 million to close a landfill cell at next week’s meeting.

Kate Writer, a member of the Talkeetna Community Council board of directors says that the Mat-Su Health Foundation recently approved $10,000 in grant funding for the recycling program.   Additionally, the National Park Service is in talks with the Mat-Su Borough to fund one of the recycling containers, which would be placed at the Talkeetna Transfer Site. The refurbishing of the containers is estimated to cost about $10,000 each.  Local businesses have opened their wallets as well, with K2 Aviation and Talkeetna Air Taxi making donations of $1,000 and $500, respectively.  There has also been about $1,000 raised from other businesses and individuals in the community.  A grant request to the Matanuska Electric Association’s charitable foundation for $15,000 is also still in the works.

Katie Writer says that the success of the fundraising means that members of the Talkeetna Recycling Committee are looking at ways to increase the expectations of what can be done.  An initial goal fundraising goal was set at $25,000, but Writer says that “fundraising never ends” when it comes to projects like this one, and that more funding means more potential capacity for the program as well as education efforts around recycling.

The Talkeetna Recycling Committee is planning (Monday: held) a fundraiser at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar on Saturday.  The event includes/included a silent auction, food for purchase, and entertainment.  A recycling drop-off is scheduled for Saturday, April 25th at Northern Susitna Institute.