Local presenter shows council how regional recycling is processed and urges school and volunteer involvement

Kathy Freeman presented on local recycling practices and community opportunities at the council meeting.

Freeman said she visited the Apollo Services facility that serves the region and described the facility’s capacity and sorting work: she said the center processes large volumes (hundreds of tons per day) and uses automated sorting and a polymer center to separate heavier and lighter plastics. Freeman walked through specific steps residents should take — for example, leaving bottle lids attached in some cases and removing external plastic sleeves where instructed — and explained that certain packaging configurations can jam sorting equipment.

She also described a local ‘‘Hurricane beautification’’ program that collects plastic bags for conversion into park benches and said the city’s collection bin has already earned one bench toward a target of 2,000 pounds. Freeman invited teachers and civic groups to schedule tours or presentations and urged schools to make recycling part of student projects.

Council reaction: Council members thanked Freeman for correcting misinformation that curbside recycling is simply dumped and noted that changes in contractors about 10 years ago improved processing; staff confirmed information and pointed council members to Republic Services’ website for details on acceptable materials.

Quote: "I was blown away. My mouth dropped open... This is so awesome. It really works and it really is a recycling center," Freeman said.

Next steps: Staff will continue public outreach and can coordinate presentations for schools and volunteer groups.