In the big picture, it’s a baby step; but for area residents who have embraced this new world of recycling, and for those who are looking to join, it’s a giant leap.
As recently announced in our newspaper from information proudly provided by Mayor D. Gary Davis, more plastics and metals can now be recycled at the Bradley County Recycling Centers. We’re not just talking sheer volume; we’re referring to a growing diversity of products that can now be accepted at the centers.
Too, the method in which they are delivered is also getting a huge boost.
According to the county mayor, all plastic with a recycling number from 1 through 7 can now be recycled at the local drop-off centers. And, these plastics can now be mixed. Previously, area residents who faithfully practice recycling had to separate the plastics. But no more.
Before the mayor’s latest announcement, only No. 1 and No. 2 plastics could be recycled locally, and they had to be placed in separate bins or bags. For those dedicated to recycling, life has become much simpler.
The expansion of the plastic recycling program will be a major driver in helping the environment while extending the life of the Bradley County Landfill.
Yet there’s more.
Now, steel metal food cans can be recycled at the Peerless Road and Urbane Road recycling centers. And, like the plastics, metal items also can be mixed.
For those new to recycling, or for those who need the occasional reminder, here’s some helpful information about the local recycling centers.
The 3110 Peerless Road Recycling Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. The center can accept plastics, steel metal food cans, mixed glass, corrugated paper and aluminum. The Peerless Road center also can accept old electronics and computers.
The 230 Urbane Road Recycling Center is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Area residents are asked not to drop off materials after operating hours because left untended these items can become a nuisance while creating eyesores.
Glass, aluminum drink cans, newspapers and mixed paper, as well as batteries, used oil and white goods can be recycled at the Bradley County Landfill. Recyclable materials, except for electronics, are taken from the recycling locations by Santek Environmental and delivered to the companies that reuse them. The electronics go to Creative Recycling in Nashville.
Those not convinced of the need for recycling, or those straddling the fence of “yes, recycle” or “no, I don’t have time,” should take this perspective into account. According to the county mayor, “If every American recycled his or her newspaper just one day a week, we would save about 36 million trees a year.”
Another approach might be to consider the amount of plastic, metal cans, aluminum and newspapers discarded into your household garbage bags each week. Now multiply it by the number of families in Bradley County. If known, the figures would be staggering.
It is no wonder that Davis and the Bradley County Commission take seriously such issues as landfill longevity. These are issues all area residents should consider whether they live in or outside the city.
The mayor’s assessment is a knowing one. “Recycling is an important part of keeping Bradley County clean, and I am grateful for the citizen support of this effort,” he told our newspaper. Likewise, he is appreciative of the city’s partnership.
We agree on all counts.
Recycling is no longer a novelty. It is real. It is here. It is necessary.
We encourage Bradley County residents who do not recycle to get involved. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
Help shape tomorrow by starting today.
