EDITORIAL: During tough times, recycling center finds ways to keep going

Posted 1/28/16

Dwindling commodity prices have impacted recycling centers across the country, but we’re glad local volunteers and staff remain committed to continuing recycling efforts here.

Residents can do their part by sorting materials before going to the …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

EDITORIAL: During tough times, recycling center finds ways to keep going

Posted

Thumbs up to the Powell Valley Recycling board and employees for working together to keep the center open during challenging times.

Dwindling commodity prices have impacted recycling centers across the country, but we’re glad local volunteers and staff remain committed to continuing recycling efforts here.

Residents can do their part by sorting materials before going to the recycling center — and separating trash from recyclables. People often bring garbage to the center, and the nonprofit must pay to have it taken to the landfill.

By only bringing recyclable materials, residents and businesses can help the center save money as well as employees’ time.

Unfortunately, the center had to stop taking certain types of plastic last year after the market changed significantly. With dropping oil prices, it became cheaper to create new plastic rather than using recycled materials.

Powell Valley Recycling continues to accept No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, such as milk jugs and water bottles, with screw-on lids. Just remove the lids before bringing plastic bottles to the center.

Each year, the recycling center processes thousands of pounds of recyclable materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. We’re glad that, with the support of Powell and surrounding communities, this important service will continue.

Thumbs down to deadly avalanches across the West.

From Wyoming to Washington, 11 people have died in avalanches in the West this month. That makes it the deadliest January for avalanches since 1997, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which tracks slides across the country.

Ten of the deaths this month occurred within a 10-day span, including two skiers who died in a slide just outside of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on Sunday.

The accidents are tragic reminders of how a seemingly safe slope of snow can be dangerous and quickly turn deadly.

If you venture into the backcountry this winter, be sure to pay attention to forecasts and snow conditions and bring avalanche equipment.

Thumbs up to opportunities for community input.

Powell residents are being asked for their thoughts on three vital parts of our community: Health care, education and roads.

Powell Valley Healthcare is asking residents to help identify the most pressing health issues facing the community. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to complete the online survey, and you can access it at www.pvhc.org.

The health care landscape in Powell has seen significant changes over the past year — and you probably have an opinion about what’s working and what isn’t. Here’s a chance to share your thoughts as PVHC seeks to address local health care needs.

Powell Valley Community Education also is conducting a community survey in coming weeks to gauge awareness of PVCE programs. Residents will be asked how satisfied they are with community education services and to share topics of interest.

Throughout the year, Powell Valley Community Education offers a wide variety of programs, classes, workshops and seminars. As community education leaders consider future programming and services, it’s important they hear from local residents.

As with any survey, the more people who participate, the more effective they are. Sharing your thoughts and opinions will help these organizations as they move forward.

On Monday, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and City of Powell will have a public forum to gather comments and answer questions on the upcoming construction that’s slated for Coulter Avenue. The forum will be held at Powell City Hall from 4-6 p.m.

Thumbs up to local law enforcement officers and the community’s effort to show our appreciation for the work they do everyday.

Earlier this month, city leaders joined with the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce, schoolchildren and community members to thank police officers for their service. The blue lights glowing in downtown Powell are in honor of local, state and national law enforcement officers.

We realize officers — along with their families — must make sacrifices in order to serve. Law enforcement work is difficult and often thankless, and it’s important to recognize everything local officers do to keep our community safe.

Comments