Update for Recycling Operations:
The facility will begin accepting recycling materials and allow access to dumpsters tentatively this Wednesday, May 20 between 8:30am and 2:30pm.
We will continue to have a Staging Area and someone at the Gate to help monitor traffic flow within the facility. Operations for Thursday-Saturday will be made on a day-to-day basis; we anticipate a similar set up. You may call the Public Works office at 417-237-7010 for information after Wednesday May 20.
Please read the following information about processing of recycling materials:
Several factors are requiring us to re-consider some of our collection methods, primarily regarding plastic, but all materials fall under the same general guidelines.
Over the months prior to COVID-19 the collection of plastic had become overwhelming due to several factors. The first being that other facilities in our area shut down their plastic collection operations and we saw an increase in traffic.
Secondly, recycling materials dropped off in our plastic collection area in containers such as black plastic bags, white plastic bags, and other non-transparent bags made it difficult to discern if it truly was recyclable materials.
After some unpleasant discoveries, our policy became ‘When in doubt, throw it out.’ Which is not an ideal solution. The volume of materials thrown out due to incorrectly prepared recyclables has seen an increase at our facility.
In some instances, more material goes to the landfill than if consumers had done a better job cleaning, drying, and sorting their recycling prior to bringing them to the facility. Although the topic at hand is about plastic, our tin can/aluminum can areas have also been dealing with contamination issues at the end user stage. We can do better!
One full-time employee presently operates our facility and as most of you are aware, our facility covers a lot of ground. The Recycling Center operates primarily as a Self-Serve facility, therefore in order to keep operating safely and efficiently we are asking for your cooperation, as our staff cannot be everywhere at once.
Plastic / Metal Recycling Guidelines are as follows:
• All plastic bottles must be rinsed out (no food residue, no residue of any kind – such as shampoo, detergent, lotions, etc.) or will not be accepted
• All plastic containers and bottles must have lids removed (we do not accept lids, please dispose in your trash)
• No fast food containers, salad containers, plastic silverware, straws, plastic shopping bags, etc.
• Recyclables brought in a container that the contents cannot be determined will not be accepted
• Attendant will require you to sort your own recyclables on site if deemed necessary
• No dog or cat food containers resembling metal or their lids
• All metal tin cans must be rinsed out or will not be accepted
• Anything considered as trash will be charged accordingly
For the immediate future, anyone using the facilities is encouraged to follow CDC social distancing guidelines.
The following guidelines will also be in effect:
• Use recycling bins one person at a time
• Limit the number of family members visiting the facility and have only one person exit the vehicle
• Be prepared with all recyclables properly broken down and ready for deposit in the designated area
• Avoid socializing or lingering
Dumpster Availability:
Keep in mind that the facility is a Recycling Center and not a facility for household trash. The dumpsters are available to citizens for projects such as a garage clean out, to dispose of materials from a household renovation project, cleaning out closets, attics, etc.
Staff and management will monitor operations and make adjustments accordingly, however in order to continue to operate the facility it will be mandatory that all rules and guidelines be observed and followed. The Recycling Center would like to thank the community for their patience and continued support, as we remain mindful of the safety of our visitors and staff.
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