By: Claire Tribble
Surprisingly, a lot of people still do not know that the old Athens-Limestone Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry is closed. This was a major loss for Limestone County, but the Limestone County Commission stepped up to fill the need. Their program is not as large as the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center was, but it is growing. Progress takes time and planning. We all must work together to make this program come to life.
The Limestone County Recycling drop-off is currently located at 1301 North Jefferson Street (the old L&S Shopping Center). They can accept cardboard, mixed paper, steel cans, aluminum cans, plastics #1 & #2, some electronics, and motor oil. Each item has its own trailer (with a garbage can at the end of each trailer for bags and other items). Unlike the old ALRC, they do not have a building with sort lines and balers yet, nor do they have employees to run the lines, bale, and transport. This is why pre-sorted trailers are important — the two employees currently spend their days transporting trailers to different recycling facilities in Athens, Decatur, and Town Creek. This severely limits them in more ways than one. Since they have no sort lines, they are unable to leave trailers open to the public at the drop-off, schools, and other places. If you ever looked inside a public recycling receptacle, then you know what I am talking about. This is where the public doing their part is important. Don’t create extra work where there doesn’t have to be.
One complaint that I hear often is that there is no longer any way to recycle glass. Glass is expensive to recycle and will never break down in nature. The glass collected goes to College Park, Georgia, for recycling. While recycled glass retains most of its quality, companies are particular in using recycled glass. The recipe for all glass contains a percentage of recycled glass. Some companies (food- and drink-based mostly) only accept their own glass back to be able to ensure quality. The only place that currently accepts glass in North Alabama is Phoenix Glass Recycling in Huntsville. She crushes her glass and then transports to Georgia where it is used in reflective paints and asphalt. Once again, this could be a possible service offered in the future after there is a facility and more employees.
One thing they have been able to add since opening their new program is recycling of motor oil. They have a large white tank on the lot for it. You can empty your own container, if you wish (just be sure to use the funnel and replace the cap on the tank), or you can leave them there for an employee to empty. They will recycle your container after emptying. This is an awesome service they provide for free.
They are able to accept most electronics. The main thing that they do not accept are the old, big back televisions. These contain mercury and must go to a hazardous waste facility. There is no designated place for electronics, so you must call Keri (256-871-0674) with Limestone County Recycling for more information and instruction. She is the director of this program and is happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding recycling.
As the new Limestone County Recycling Program grows, remember that sometimes the best progress takes time. In an effort to be as cost effective as possible, they are taking the time to think everything through so that they are able to offer as much of this needed service to Limestone County as they can. Making as many improvements and upgrades as cost efficient and effectively as possible will hopefully lead to a curbside recycling service for all of Limestone County. Until then, remember, the more the program is used, the more it will grow. These commissioners have a lot on their plate, much more than most of us are aware of. They are doing the best that they can starting from scratch; so tell them thank you when you get the chance. Limestone County is rapidly growing, and its programs are too.
By: Claire Tribble – Executive Director, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful
December 20, 2024
