One of the methods of preserving the environment that came out of the Environmental Movement of the 1960s and '70s was recycling. Throwing away used items in the traditional manner of the landfill was replaced with the idea that certain used materials could be used again or recycled in order to save energy and prevent pollution.

Although protection of the environment is always high on opinion polls, recycling doesn't appear to be on the media's radar screen recently. Yet, it's a primary way an individual can personally do something to protect their local environment.

From 4 to 7 p.m. each Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, residents of Owasco can do their part to protect the environment. The Owasco Recycling Plant, located on East Lake Road next to the water plant, was opened in 1989, and the expanded facility with a drive through was inaugurated in 1991. Prior to the establishment of the facility, individuals handled their own trash or hired a private hauler.

Mike Wilson, the recycling administrator, took some time out to speak to me about the “trash trail” or what happens after trash and recyclables are deposited at the center.

The town markets the recyclables on a weekly or monthly basis, and, like any market, the price varies from week to week.

Brown, green and clear glass is sold to the Finger Lakes Recycling Center facility in Newark. Cardboard, metal and plastic is sold to a variety of buyers in the area for market price. There is no market for newspaper so local farmers use it for bedding for their cows. Sometimes it is hard to imagine that a few short years ago all that material went into the ground at a landfill as opposed to being recycled.

For example, a recent load of glass weighed 3.5 tons. Years ago those materials would have simply been buried in the ground. Now it is reused or recycled to make other products.

The Town sells 33 gallon “bag tags” for $1.50 at the Town Hall or at the recycling center. Generally, a family of four will use two bags a week for a total of $3.

Leaves and brush can be dropped off any time at no cost. “Natural” mulch is also available for free at the town from early spring to late fall.

Steve Smith manages the recycling center on a daily basis.

He processes, cleans, bales and hauls the materials. On Wednesday and Saturday, an additional person works at the center while it is open to the public.

Several years ago a library was added to the center. Residents can drop off recent magazines, books, etc. and pick up something of interest to them. A “swap-shop” is in the planning for the summer.

If you are new to the Owasco community, stop up and tour our facility, buy some bags and do your part to improve the environment by recycling.

John Klink is a councilman for the town of Owasco