Photograph by Steven Higgs
Monroe County recyclers brought 5.5 percent more glass, paper and metal to the recycling center in 2006 than the previous year.
Since Melissa Kriegerfox resigned from her position as recycling and reuse director of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District on May 18, the district has been looking for someone to assume her duties.
District Executive Director Glenn Lightner said he expects the position will be filled “hopefully in the next couple of weeks.” And while he said there are candidates for the position, the replacement has not yet been approved.
The incoming recycling and reuse director will have plenty to do. With recycling rates increasing each year, more planning is needed to help spread the word about the three Rs and to fund the district and its projects.
According to the district’s 2006 annual report, recycling volume in Monroe County increased 5.5 percent in 2006 from 2005.
Human Resources and Public Relations Manager Brenda Strauss attributes this increase to the district’s friendly facilities, its participation in community events and to the fact that recycling is free.
“I think people are becoming more aware of recycling,” Strauss said. “And it doesn’t cost people to recycle. If they want to throw trash away they have to pay someone to come pick up their trash.”
The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District, 3400 S. Walnut St., has large designated bins for sorted recyclables. This is different from the system used by the Bloomington city curbside pickup, which does not require city residents to sort their materials but does require that paper be separated from plastics, glass and metals.
According to Strauss, the district has recyclers sort their materials because it is more cost-efficient.
“It is one step that the community can do that will save time and money when it comes to recycling,” she said.
Despite the heavy workload, Lightner said the district has not been hit hard by Kriegerfox’s absence.
“We’ve had people that have helped step in and work through helping out with her leaving,” Lightner said. “Thus far I think it’s been fairly smooth.”
Jessica Hullinger can be reached at jghullin@indiana.edu.