Just Keep Asking! – Clean & Green

By: Lynne Hart

KALB recently sent out an anonymous survey asking for honest answers about a certain topic. As part of the survey, there was a section where comments and questions could be left.

We received several interesting questions and I would like to take the time to provide answers. If one person is asking, there are probably many others who would appreciate the same information.

COMMENT: “I would like to see other types of plastics recycled.”
KALB and the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center would love to recycle all types of plastics; however, there is a reason why we only accept #1, #2, and #5. Our recycling center on Lucas Ferry Rd. can only accept items for recycling that we can sell to buyers in need of them. If we took materials we were unable to move out, they would end up in the landfill. We will not accept anything we cannot legitimately recycle.

COMMENT: “I wish you took glass.”
First let me clear up something that can be confusing. Materials placed in the blue rolling carts used to recycle at curbside in Athens are taken to the Decatur Recycling Center, not the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center. The Decatur center is set up to process comingled recycling (all mixed together) and our center is not. So the blue cart “rules” are different from those at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center.

Our center on Lucas Ferry Road DOES accept glass bottles and jars. We DO NOT accept plate glass, china, ceramics, or anything other than bottles and jars.

You cannot put glass in your blue rolling carts because the glass will break when being dumped and will contaminate all of the other materials.

So, if you have glass bottles and jars to recycle, just take them to the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center on Lucas Ferry Rd. or to a community collection center located at several schools throughout Limestone County.

COMMENT: “There is a need for more education regarding recycling.”

We agree there can never be enough education about the need to recycle, and we want you to know that education is the main focus of our organization.

KALB visits classrooms, by invitation, with programs relating to recycling, dangers of litter, and our natural world from preschool through 6th grade. Please invite us.

KALB also provides programs for adults. Invite us to speak at your club meetings, HOA meetings, church events, etc.

There is a great deal of information about all of our programs, including recycling, on our website at www.KALBCares.com. We constantly share information on our Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful Facebook page. Post your questions and we’ll get you answers! Information is shared twice monthly in our Athens Now articles – always on page 12. KALB staff are guests on local radio to share information and changes in our recycling program and other activities.

You will find KALB represented at many local events where we love to share information on recycling and many other topics of interest to our community. Stop and talk with us.

COMMENT: “Where can I take electronics?”

The Athens-Limestone Recycling Center has accepted electronics Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for many years. Unfortunately, even though we have tried to get the word out through a variety of ways, many people are still unaware of this.

Electronics are considered any item that uses electricity (has a cord) or runs on batteries. The only items for which the center charges a fee is televisions ($10 each). All other electronics are accepted free of charge.

The center can even accept large appliances. We do ask that you call 256-233-8746 first to make arrangements.

Keep Asking!
We are all about education and we want to provide answers to your questions. If you can’t find answers, we are always happy to take your calls. Contact KALB at 256-233-8000 or email us at KALBCares@gmail.com. Call the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center at 256-233-8746 or email the Plant Manager at AthensRecycling@pclnet.net. If we aren’t there to answer immediately, we promise you will receive a return call.

Just keep asking!
By: Lynne Hart
Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful