| Recycling
program awarded grant
Idaho County Recycling was recently awarded a $2,000 grant from the Northern Region Greatest Need Fund through the Idaho Community Foundation which assists hundreds of non-profit groups throughout the state. In 2009, ICF distributed nearly five million dollars to programs that promote families and senior citizens, the arts or environmental awareness. In Idaho County, the grant money will be used for recycling education, monthly equipment (rental) expenses and the purchase of a cardboard compactor. According to Janie Fluharty, chairwoman of the Idaho County Recycling committee, “The receipt of this grant relieves some of the financial stress while we develop a sustainable recycling program which is totally dependent on volunteers and charitable contributions. We are still reliant on the interest and contributions from Idaho County residents but this grant gives us more latitude toward pursuing our long-term objectives, including more convenient recycling opportunities”. Idaho County Recycling began its once-a-month collection sites in October 2009 and, after nine months, achieved its first goal of diverting 100 tons from the waste stream. Each month has seen an increase in participation and quantity of recyclables at the Fenn and Kooskia locations. This past weekend exceeded past records; over 350 county patrons used the facilities, with over 18 tons collected. Fluharty stated that “the to-date success of this undertaking has been wonderfully gratifying and is an undeniable indicator that Idaho County residents want and need a recycling program”. Currently, ICR accepts tin and aluminum cans, plastic bottles and jugs, cardboard and most paper products including newspapers, magazines, catalogs, telephone and paperback books and office paper. For a nominal fee, area businesses that generate large amounts of cardboard may have a key-access to the compactor located in Grangeville. Anyone wishing to volunteer, learn about recycling guidelines or to schedule a recycling education program for a club or organization may call 926-7231, 983-2843 or 983-2821. |
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