IN THE CITY
by Dana Fowler
The Solid Waste Department initiated a series of infrastructure improvements at the Presque Isle Landfill in 2007 that will conclude this year with the completion of a 6 acre landfill expansion. This expansion utilizes the latest technology in the design of this state of the art landfill that will protect groundwater and surface water to the maximum extent possible now and into the foreseeable future. This technology, using the best environmental practices to meet the State of Maine licensing requirements, does come at a cost. Protecting the environment may not be cheap, but it is worth the investment to protect our natural resources from contamination. One only has to look at national news stories covering the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico to know that cutting corners is not the right thing to do when protecting our environment.
There is something that you can do to extend the value of the investment that the City is making at its landfill facility. What you can do to help maximize that investment is to recycle. It is that simple. Recycling will divert recyclable materials from the landfill thus saving space and extending the life of the landfill. Extending the life of the landfill will delay that date in the future when another expansion will have to occur because the current space is filled. If everyone in our region recycled all of the materials that are recyclable, the life of our landfill would be doubled. Recycling is a very practical way to save tax dollars and conserve our natural resources at the same time.
If you aren’t recycling, now is the perfect time to start before we start filling the new landfill expansion later this fall. Give recycling a try. If you have your trash picked up at the curb, contact your waste hauler for recycling information and for Blue Bags that will be provided to you at no cost. If you use the Transfer Station for waste disposal, recyclables can be dropped off free of charge. Recyclables can also be dropped off by the public in containers located at Presque Isle City Hall, the Mapleton Town Office, the Washburn Town Office, and the Landfill.
If you are already recycling, we truly appreciate your efforts.
If you have questions about recycling or need Blue Bags, contactus at 764-2512. Also, please contact us if you or your group would like a tour of the Recycling Center to see how we process your recyclables.
Dana Fowler, P.E. is solid waste director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 764-2507 or via e-mail at dfowler@presqueisleme.us
