01/12/2025
Dear Mr. Know-It-All:
Questions many friends and I have regard recycling in Farmington. We all know about the yellow-topped bins we leave at the curb for pickup by WM (Waste Management). But do we really know where it goes? Has anyone actually followed the recycled waste stream once it arrives at WM facilities? And how efficient is the recycling process? In short, is it truly recycling and viable?
Signed,
Trashy Topic
Dear Trashy:
Thanks for the question. Mr. Know-It-All turned his attention to Waste Management and their communications manager for the Four Corners Region, Jennifer Wargo. She tells me that WM collects about 3,800 tons each year in San Juan County. Those items come from the material we place in those yellow-topped containers and items that residents take to the recycling center at 101 E. Spruce St. in Farmington. WM’s curbside recycling service in Farmington will accept items such as clean paper, flattened cardboard, metal food and beverage cans and plastic bottles, jugs, jars and tubs. The collection site on East Spruce Street will also accept glass.
A reminder that plastic bags aren’t accepted for recycling, recyclables should not be put in garbage bags, and no food or other foreign materials should be left on any material to be recycled.
Wargo says these recycled materials become just like any other commodity, and the value of recyclable materials varies based on demand. Items with the highest demand are things that Wargo says we should always recycle: clean paper, flattened cardboard, metal food and beverage cans and plastic bottles, jugs, jars and tubs. These items are in demand by manufacturers.
Where the recyclables go is somewhat of a mystery. Wargo says it’s proprietary information, but there are mills locations throughout the country. A quick internet search revealed no fewer that 30 recycled paper mill locations in the United States. WM can shop their recycled materials around for the best price and areas that have the highest demand.
The 2024 Recycling Report that WM released just a few months ago, seemed to confirm much of what we know: A survey of 1,000 people showed that citizens are eager to recycle but they need more education and greater access to recycling. It also showed more difficulties for residents in rural areas to recycle. The report cites 50% of residents in rural areas have more difficulties when trying to recycle, such as driving long distances or having to go to different locations to recycle different types of items.
Transparency may also help. WM’s own report showed 86% of people who recycle say they recycle plastic bottles and containers, but 1 in 10 are not-at-all confident that their plastics are actually recycled.
So, keep sorting those recyclables, because every little bit reduces what is taken to the landfill, which increases its life span. Those recyclables go one to become new products which decreases the need for new raw materials.
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Mr. Know-It-All is Scott Michlin, the general manager of KSJE 90.9FM community-supported radio at San Juan College. When he’s not answering questions here or on the radio, you might find him teaching public speaking or mass media classes at San Juan College, or serving on the board of directors for San Juan United Way, Presbyterian Medical Services, or the San Juan Symphony.
If you have a question about something in San Juan County, drop him a line at [email protected]. If he doesn’t know the answer, he knows someone who does and you’ll read about it here in the pages of the Tri-City Record.
Dear Mr. Know-It-All: Questions many friends and I have regard recycling in Farmington. We all know about the yellow-topped bins we leave at the curb for pickup by WM (Waste Management). But do we rea...
