Ravalli County Recycling is suspending cardboard service in Stevensville. According to Mayor Gene Mim Mack, the embrace of our new recycling efforts has been “enormous, way beyond what any of us expected. We’ve clearly proven people want to recycle.”
But costs to the town for RCR’s processing of this cardboard bonanza – in labor and transportation – has gone far beyond original budgets. We’ve been too successful in Stevensville. Both RCR and the mayor want to rein in costs to keep recycling alive.
Furthermore, overloaded bins have meant that cardboard often litters the generously donated property at Burnt Fork Market.
And a recent economic slump in China – one of U.S. cardboard’s biggest customers – is making cardboard hauls from Stevensville to Missoula a losing proposition for the not-for-profit Ravalli County Recycling.
We at RCR, and the mayor, are looking for solutions.
For now, cardboard continues to be collected by RCR’s curbside and commercial pick-up services. Call Toddy Perryman, RCR accounts manager at (406) 961-4959, for a one-time pick-up or regularly scheduled service. And on Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons, cardboard is accepted as drop offs at our Hamilton facility, Ravalli County Recycling, Inc., 759 US Hwy 93 N (across from Don’s Home Center). Large quantities of cardboard brought to the Hamilton site must be accompanied by a modest donation. Volunteers also may call Janice Lee at (406) 360-9895 to sign up for work in Stevi.
Becky Homan, board member
Ravalli County Recycling, Inc.