Recycling often has been mentioned in the same breath with the Allen County Landfill, but aside from newspapers it has never been done much in a local public setting.
Cost and manpower are primary drawbacks, Bill King, director of Public Works, often has noted, because markets are insufficiently lucrative to meet expenses.
That might change.
King told commissioners Tuesday morning that he had been ap-proached by members of Allen County Young Professionals about recycling plastic and cardboard.
“Volunteers would make a difference,” he said.
Commissioners told King to pursue discussions.
“We’re concerned about the environment,” said Commission Chairman Gary McIntosh, but also have to fit any such program within a county budget that is fist-tight.
For about 15 years newspapers have been recycled through a program started and maintained by Iola Rotary Club.
Waste paper is collected every few weeks, loaded by volunteers into highway transport trailers owned by the county and then hauled to an insulation plant in Wells-ville.
Local group eyes recycling program
