Contributed by Randi Perlman
From the very beginning way back in 1998, when Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) first formed with the goal of collecting recyclables in the Mat-Su Borough, the model and mantra of ‘clean & sorted’ was put in place. VCRS was fortunate to have a strong, passionate and inciteful group of early grassroots leaders who understood that a successful recycling operation would have to move forward in a sustainable way while still making good business sense.
At VCRS, everything is viewed as a resource, and different resources are sought after by different end-users. Another word for resources could be commodities. As long as they are clean and sorted, each recyclable material dropped off at your local recycling center is baled separately and sold to end-users around the United States seeking that particular commodity. When those businesses purchase those commodities, it creates a sustainable and economically viable loop by diverting tons of material from our landfill while providing businesses with the products they need, and revenue to continue operation and expansion of our recycling programs.
Another important reason VCRS has been able to grow and continue serving our community is: our COMMUNITY! By educating Valley residents about the reasons it makes good sense to clean and sort their recycling, and welcoming one and all to come, learn, and help spread the word, VCRS has become a vital hub of our community and an integral part of the Valley’s borough-wide infrastructure. In turn, the enormous support, participation and community buy-in for the ‘clean & sorted’ model have allowed the state-of-the-art recycling center to grow, add staff and expand its offerings over the years.
Manufacturers are making something new with the recyclables you bring to VCRS. You can help provide them with great material to work with by making sure your recyclables are empty, clean, and put in the right place when you drop them off. Volunteers and staff are on hand to assist you in doing that. VCRS is a drop off facility for your sorted recyclables. Your time and effort to sort is what makes this program possible.
Clean & sorted recycling is also creating new businesses and jobs in our community. Did you know that ALL the newspaper (and some cardboard) recycled at VCRS stays local?!? It's turned into cellulose insulation, hydro-seed mulch, and stable bedding at Thermo-Kool of Alaska, right here in the Mat-Su Valley. This type of economic growth and development is continuing to make the Mat-Su the fastest growing area in the state. If you are looking for a way to be more environmentally responsible, save money on your heating bills, and support our local economy, visit us at www.valleyrecycling.org to find out about newspaper and all the other material categories we accept.
Sometimes, all it takes to change the world is one person, a great idea, a little support. Since its founding in 1998, VCRS has been determined to make an impact. The staff has a passion and purpose for what they do, and along with over 400 like-minded volunteers, this formidable team works together tirelessly to make recycling convenient and available six days a week. The quest to recover as many resources from the local waste stream as possible is the conviction behind their beliefs. The support of our caring community is greatly and gratefully appreciated!
Pick up next month’s edition of The People’s Paper/Make a Scene Magazine for Recycling Repeats Itself, Episode 10