Recycling loss hurts environment

Published Tuesday, September 18, 2007

It is disappointing that Otter Tail County officials were forced to remove recycling containers from the Fergus Falls Wal-mart when they found that some people were using them as trash containers.

For those truly interested in recycling, the location clearly was convenient – especially for those who live outside the city of Fergus Falls and, thus, don’t enjoy the convenience of curb-side recycling.

For the sake of our environment, it is important county officials continue to search for ways to make recycling more convenient for all county residents.

One method might be to partner with townships surrounding Fergus Falls, and private haulers, to create a curbside recycling program. Currently, city residents have weekly curbside pickup. However, those outside city limits must transport their materials to the county’s recycling bins, which dwindled in number last week.

Curbside pickup also would have to be limited to relatively densely populated areas. The service also would mean additional expenses. However, residents might be willing to pay for such a service in exchange for convenience.

Whether it is feasible or not, for the sake of our environment, curbside pickup outside of city limits is an idea that should at least be explored.