Separating recyclables | Letter

Published 12:12 pm Wednesday, July 1, 2015

As the Sounder has reported, there is a plan for a new layout  at the Orcas transfer station (the dump) to make it easier for us  to separate our recyclables. Glass in one bin, paper in another,  only certain plastics in a third and so forth.

The June 22 Washington Post makes clear why this plan is essential click here.

The Washington Post article explains why recyclables separated after they leave a municipality are more costly to its taxpayers. It makes economic sense for us to start separating our own recyclable materials before they depart for the mainland because the cost of having our recyclables separated by others off-island will continue to climb.  If we are to prevent our costs from truly skyrocketing we need to learn to love the rites of separation.

In the Vermont town where our family once lived, separating our trash was, if you can believe it, fun!   It was a social time; while we walked about getting everything in the right hopper most of us also used the time to catch up with friends old and new.

Social and economical. The new plan to separate our recyclables at the dump is a very good idea.

Meg Massey

Deer Harbor