Talkeetna recycling scheduled to begin in early August

After a very successful fundraising period, Talkeetna’s recycling program is days away from getting started. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is currently scheduled for 11:00 am on Monday, August 3^rd at the Talkeetna transfer site for the first recycling container.

Recycling in Talkeetna has been attempted multiple times in the past. One major factor that played in favor of the current effort is the willingness of the Mat-Su Borough to transport the recycling containers once they are filled. Butch Shapiro, Solid Waste Division Manager for the borough, hopes that recycling will mean less trash in the landfill. Over time, that would mean less need for new landfill cells, each of which costs millions of dollars to build to federal specifications, and millions more to decommission once they are full.  In an effort to promote the program, the borough will not charge for recycling through the current fiscal year. That could change during next year’s borough budget process.

The recycling containers will be refurbished garbage containers, similar to the ones already at the transfer site. Each is split into three compartments, allowing three different types of recyclables. The plan for the first container is to recycle aluminum cans, steel cans, and number two plastic jugs. The second recycling container, which is also in the works, is planned for number one plastic bottles, number five plastics, and mixed paper. Recyclables do need to be separated.

The Talkeetna Recycling Committee is seeking volunteers to help during the periods that recycling will be available at the Talkeetna transfer site.