Published: November 06, 2009 07:12 pm      

Options remain for recycling

The sites that once housed the Vermilion County Health Department’s recycling bins stand closed after the department suspended the program due to a lack of funds. And, although officials in several communities have started discussions, no alternative program exists to take its place.

Families who made use of the recycling program likely have already noticed an increase in the number of bags heading out for regular trash pick-up.

But recycling doesn’t have to stop just because the county of program is gone.

The area offers a number of alternatives that — with a little extra effort on the part of those who don’t to toss everything away, can reduce the amount of refuse being buried in local landfills.

Several area businesses and non-profit organizations accept aluminum cans for recycling. Some of the businesses even pay for the amount of metal brought in. Non-profit groups in several Vermilion County communities have drop-off sites for the cans.

Newspapers can be recycled through the county’s animal shelter, where they are shredded and used for animal bedding.

And a Danville business — WITS — accepts old electronic devices. The enterprise reconditions the items and puts them to work again, saving a trip to the landfill.

The convenience of the county’s recycling program will be missed to be sure, but until area communities establish their own recycling programs — if they manage to do so at all — alternatives still exist for those who want to avoid tossing away useful materials.