What we think: More recycling good for business, residents

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We’re glad to hear Renaissance Recycling is doing well enough not to close its doors. But barely keeping open isn’t enough. We hope the recycling center stays because it helps keep the community clean and preserves needed space in the landfill.

The center closed in February after its former owners determined commodity prices were too low and rent was too high. It reopened under new ownership in March, but encountered similar problems like low commodity prices and not enough volume to recycle.

Last month, owner Ralph Friebel said the center has no plans to close — good news. However, locals could do more to ensure the center stays open.

Jamestown’s recycling task force is developing a plan to encourage recycling. That plan may include a curbside pickup program similar to the city of Fargo’s. Curbside pickup would cost about $4 a month and would allow residents to throw out recyclables next to their trash. That way, waste is taken to the landfill and recyclables are taken to the center.

An option like that is worth looking into. But until an official plan is proposed, recycling can be increased in other ways.

Renaissance Recycling can recycle almost anything — aluminum, cardboard and newspapers, but also computers, microwaves and used clothing.

Businesses could opt to recycle more. Many times, the fees to recycle are less expensive than the fees to rent a Dumpster and throw waste away, Friebel said. That was true for Jamestown High School. Six years ago, the school recycled white paper and newsprint. Now, the school recycles pop cans, water bottles and other products. That effort saves the school about $1,500 each year, officials said.

But individuals can do more to help too.

It can be inconvenient, but store throw-away items like newspapers and milk gallons for a week or two and take them to the recycling center. For those households who already recycle, consider recycling more items like computers, clothing and junk mail.

The struggles of the recycling center, however, are present for several reasons. The city subsidizes the center, giving it $2,500 a month. The center is requesting the city double that amount. The Jamestown City Council will likely hear that request sometime this month.

Renaisance Recycling also has its share of work to do.

The recycling center is a private business after all. It has the responsibility to spread the word about its services and when they are available.

Currently, the center is open during business hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on Saturday mornings. Those hours may not be convenient for working families and individuals. Perhaps the center could consider increasing the time it’s open. Or, if that isn’t an option, perhaps the center could leave bins outside its business or other prominent locations so recyclers could drop materials off at a time convenient for them. It could also consider better and more prominent signage. Many people may drive past the recycling center, located at the corner of First Street and Third Avenue Southwest and never realize it’s there.

The effort to keep the center open is a team one. The business and the public have obligations to uphold for the center to move forward.

The recycling center is an asset to the community and good for the environment. We hope the business and the public can find solutions to its struggles.

(Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board)

Tags: opinion, editorials, recycling, jamestown