MONROE CO. – Every November 15th, America Recycles Day (ARD) serves as a national reminder that the simple act of recycling is a powerful daily choice that contributes to a healthier planet and a stronger economy. This year, local organizations are urging residents and businesses to reflect on their environmental impact —a sentiment echoed by the legendary environmentalist Dr. Jane Goodall.
“Just remember that every day you live, you make an impact on the planet,” Dr. Goodall famously said. “You can’t help make an impact, and you have a choice as to what sort of impact you make.” America Recycles Day is a day to celebrate those choices and the scientific progress that enable a circular economy.
Local Efforts: The Waste Reduction District’s Green Programs
For residents of Monroe County, the Waste Reduction District (District) is on the front lines, offering five convenient drop-off recycling centers and specialized services to encourage greater environmental stewardship.
Community Outreach Coordinator Elisa Pokral highlights the District’s Green Business program as a key initiative. “For a minimal fee, the District picks up recyclables at businesses and offers a free waste audit,” Pokral explains. The District works with local companies to strategize optimal ways to store collected recyclables until pickup.
“Wise earth care starts in our homes but expands into our workplace,” Pokral says. “Recycling is basic earth stewardship.”
The Importance of “Recycling Right”
The District is focusing on public education to ensure residents “Recycle right,” meaning items must be placed in drop-off bins cleaned, degreased, and dry to prevent contamination.
To make the process easier, the District has streamlined the sorting process for key materials:
- All glass bottles and jars can now be dropped off in a single container.
- Mixed paper collection is broad, including white and colored paper, junk mail, magazines, books, newspapers, shredded paper, packing paper, and waxy coated containers.
Pokral encourages the community, “If you have questions, visit us online, give us a call, or stop by one of our centers. We’re here to serve you and the earth.”
The Waste Reduction District serves Monroe County by offering five drop-off recycling centers and associated services. Through the Green Business Network program, the district provides a free waste audit. And for a minimal fee, recycling pickup. If you have questions, contact the District at 812-349-2020, visit wastereductiondistrict.com, and/or pick up information at any of the five recycling centers.
Celebrating the Circular Economy
America Recycles Day is more than just a call to action; it is a moment to recognize everyone involved in the recycling lifecycle. This includes the chemists and engineers who find new ways to remanufacture recyclables, the businesses that use recycled content, and every patron who participates in the circular economy.
Recycling is recognized as one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change by keeping valuable materials out of the landfill.
Executive Director Tom McGlasson Jr. connects environmental health to financial health: “A healthy environment supports a robust economy. The Waste Reduction District thanks its many patrons for dropping off recyclables, supporting the health of the earth and the health of the economy.”
Beyond the Bin: Rethink, Reuse, and Dispose Responsibly
ARD is also a day to thank those who practice the broader principles of waste reduction:
- Rethink and Refuse purchases with excessive or non-recyclable packaging.
- Reuse and support designers who consider a product’s end-of-life.
- Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) responsibly by using alternatives or bringing HHW materials to District facilities.
“The District offers free education services/Waste Reduction/Citizen Science services that connect the dots as to why recycling and other basic earth stewardship work together,” Pokral adds.
She concludes with a final thank-you to the community’s “environmental stewards” for their awareness and daily efforts. “Let’s grow our numbers and call others in. Let’s all be healthy every day by recycling.”
