I am writing in response to the story headlined “City of Durango looks to a greener future” (www.durangoherald.com, Jan. 12.) It appears the City Council and staff have overlooked the reality of recycling.

I am an owner of a metals recycling company with a branch in Durango and the owner of commercial property near town. I am not currently able to operate said recycling facility for uninformed, speculative reasoning ushered by the city staff.

Local area governments, including Durango’s, recently hosted and participated in a diversion study, referenced in this story, to help the area improve its diversion and recycling rates. The study, which I was asked to participate in, drew the conclusion that for any recycling to be effective it must be convenient and inexpensive. However, there is tremendous resistance to the presence of a convenient and inexpensive location for perhaps the most viable sector of recycling, the community’s metals.

In January alone, I will ship more than 1,000 tons (2 million pounds) of steel, to be recycled, out of Durango; not to mention the tons of non-ferrous metals shipped for recycling. (Ironically, the city of Durango services departments significantly contributed to these numbers). All of this material I paid money for, including the city of Durango’s, during the some of the worst market conditions in history!

I am not diminishing efforts to improve recycling other materials in Durango or discount the idea of solar panels for the community treatment facilities.

I, too, have large solar arrays at my facilities. What I do urge is before we as a community attempt to seek accolades for recycling efforts and sustainability, we acknowledge and even embrace all versions, methods and mediums of recycling.

All things in the built environment will one day outlive usefulness and viability, how we deal with these things should be a responsibility we all share. After all, recycling is the second oldest trade in the world.

Greg Fulks

Durango