I’m appalled that, at a time when the world needs every recyclable resource, Durango is closing two recycling sites. This is a huge backward step.
A couple of years ago, the sites stopped accepting plastic. That caused difficulties and added expense for residents. In some cases, valuable plastic simply went into the trash. Now the city is closing the recycling sites altogether? Unbelievable! The city’s recycling manager is quoted as saying of the inconvenience of residents having to haul glass to the remote Recycle Center: “If they make the effort to come up here, they are doing the right thing.” (Herald, Dec. 13). That’s wrong. Recycling should be made easier, not more difficult.
As for those who dump trash into recycling bins, surely there are ways to stop that? Here are three suggestions: 1) A “Do the right thing” publicity campaign; 2) Surveillance cameras that can read license plates; 3) a simple welded grid that will admit most glass bottles but not trash.
Come on, Durango, step up with a solution, not a wussy retreat. Find a way to continue existing recycling sites. Add more. Recycling is a vital part of the world’s future.
Jim Richards
Durango
