From Rob Pudner
Effective immediately, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD) is accepting only plastic bottles with an imprinted #1 or #2 (typically on the bottom) in addition to paper, aluminum and steel cans, and cardboard. Unfortunately, the nation as a whole currently lacks a market for plastics marked with #3 through #7–they’re either removed from the recycling stream locally to be sent to a landfill or they travel hundreds of miles to then be removed and sent to a landfill. [See end of article for accepted/unaccepted item guidelines].
Right now, Gallatin County has an opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint and increase the value of its recycling program by managing non-recyclable materials at our own landfill in Logan. We decided to take responsibility for our own waste rather than burning more fossil fuel simply to truck garbage across the country.
Common plastics with a number one include beverage bottles, such as water bottles and soda bottles, salad dressing bottles, and some juice bottles. Plastics with a number two include both “natural” and “colored” containers suck as milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles. Plastics must be bottles with a neck–no clamshell containers (from berries or mixed salads) or tubs (cream cheese, yogurt, sour cream) even if they are imprinted with a #1 or #2. Because bottles tend to occupy a lot of space in our drop-off bins, we are asking recycling participants to first crush their bottles and then replace the caps.
This focus on #1s and #2s requires extra vigilance from county residents as non-recyclable materials contaminate collected loads and jeopardize the livelihood of the entire program. While we wish we could accept all materials people may have, we are limited at this time to just those listed in our updated recycling brochure. Good intentions can sometimes negatively impact the program so we encourage everyone to call with any questions before using the free drop-off bins.
GSWMD has been working with the City of Bozeman, MSU, and Four Corners Recycling to develop new messaging that will convey the importance of preventing contamination, and we urge people to share the news with their friends and family. It is ultimately up to recycling participants to keep this program running smoothly.
As a district, we are working hard to expand our recycling and waste diversion programs. The Bozeman Convenience Site (BCS) offers Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection from 9am to noon on the second Saturday of each month. No appointment is needed and collection is free for county residents. Some qualified businesses may dispose of materials for a fee. To make an appointment for a qualified business, call Ray Harrison at 406-539-1161. During regular operating hours, the BCS accepts batteries, motor oil, antifreeze, and yard/wood waste for a small fee. These items can also be brought to the Logan Landfill, in addition to electronic waste, scrap metal, pesticide containers, fluorescent light bulbs, propane bottles, and bear spray.
As we transition to new recycling requirements, we must also look more seriously at the Reduce and Reuse components of the classic “Three Rs.” Avoiding single-use packaging can be simple with a little planning, and often leads to financial savings in the long run. We must begin having conversations about what type of products we want to accept into the community in the first place.
One of the district’s current goals is provide more education to schools, community groups, and businesses throughout the valley so we can address any questions or confusion people may have. We offer free classroom and community presentations, landfill tours, and waste audits to determine potential diversion rates. More information about the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and recycling/waste diversion efforts can be found on the county website (Gallatin.mt.gov), emailing Robert.Pudner@gallatin.mt.gov, or by calling 406.582.2493.
The Recycling Program is part of the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD). We attempt to divert as much recyclable materials from the landfill as possible and ship the collected materials to markets around the country to support the program. Sales of these materials, along with support from the GSWMD, pays for the fuel, freight, containers, wages and administrative costs. Your cooperation makes this program possible and keeps it going. The recycle bins located in the County are accessbile 24-7. These free recycling sites are provided by the Landowner and the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District. Excessive illegal dumping at recycling sites may lead to the Landowner or the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District to close these free recycling sites. Anything left on the ground will be taken to the Landfill and will not be recycled. Thank you for your help on keeping our sites clean.
Accepted Items are as follows: Plastic Recyclables should be emptied and flattened with caps on. ONLY #1 and #2 plastics are accepted. NO clamshell containers (from berries or mixed salads) or tubs (cream cheese, yogurt, and sour cream); Cardboard Recyclables should be broken down to conserve space in the bins prior to pickup. Brown bags are accepted in cardboard bins; Paper Recyclables including newspapers, magazines, phone books, junk mail, office paper, and paperback books are accepted (staples are ok); Aluminum and Steel cans are all accepted, but please crush.
Unacceptable Items for Collection Sites are as follows: Glass of any kind is not currently being accepted due to current market conditions and shipping and handling costs; Plastics with numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (usually on the bottom) are no longer being accepted. These include bags, films, wraps, large plastic items, and motor oil, solvent, and other hazardous material containers; Paper including those of neon colors, paper that won’t tear, paper plates, napkins, and Kleenex. The collection sites also do not accept scrap metal, wood products, yard trimmings, or electronic waste. •
