Shredded paper has value, too

    Identity theft has become such a problem lately that many people are taking precautions with their personal documents. Due to the availability of low cost paper shredders, one of these precautions includes the shredding of personal papers. Some residents think that their shredded paper is not recyclable and are throwing it away. Shredded paper is recyclable and is just as valuable as whole paper.     We all know that the paperless office that was predicted years ago is nothing more than a myth. Most offices are drowning in paper and find it difficult to find a place for it all. When it comes time to clean out your old files, think of the Recycling Center first. From the first day of our recycling program nearly seventeen years ago, we have utilized the services of the Work Opportunities Center, a workshop for the developmentally challenged. The WOC clients perform all of our paper sorting, which includes the disassembly of files that are in binders. Bring us your old files for recycling and we will gladly return your file boxes, if you would like to reuse them.
    Keep in mind that there are several locations other than the Recycling Center where you can drop off your recyclables. City Hall has two dumpsters for recyclables that are available for public use. The large blue dumpster is specifically for cardboard. Please remove all packing materials from your cardboard and flatten it prior to placing it in the dumpster. The smaller green dumpster next to the blue dumpster is for mixed recyclables such as newspaper, office paper, magazines, books, cans, PETE no. 1 plastic, and HDPE no. 2 plastic.
    Other drop off locations for recyclables are the Mapleton Town Office, the Washburn Town Office, and the Landfill. Be sure to rinse all containers (especially milk jugs and cat food cans), but you do not need to remove labels. Please take all glass containers to the Recycling Center for recycling.
    If you use the services of a waste hauler to pick up trash at your home, your recyclables can be placed into Blue Bags for recycling by the hauler. Blue Bags are available at no cost to you from your waste hauler and the Solid Waste Department located on second floor at City Hall. Cardboard cannot be mixed into the haulers’ trucks with other refuse per City Ordinance. Cardboard should be flattened and tied together so that your hauler can easily handle it for recycling. Your refuse hauler will transport the cardboard and Blue Bags to the Recycling Center. Thank you for your recycling efforts.
    Dana Fowler is the solid waste director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 764-2507.