Who would have thought when the Haywood Recycling Center was added to the list of stops on the Senior Leadership Program itinerary that it would become one of the participants’ favorite sites?  It must have something to do with the passion Stephen King has for his work.  As he talks to the program members, he is enthusiastic about the cost cutting measures that have been taken to ensure that county residents do not have to deal with a tax increase in order to fund waste removal.  All employees at the recycling center are paid through the funds generated from recycling trash components — cardboard, paper, old carpets, etc.

While recycling may seem to be too time consuming, it really pays off, not only in terms of a cleaner environment, but in financial terms, and that important bottom line is something we can all understand and appreciate.  King said some people throw old TV consoles into the center and break the glass.  Employees must then sweep up and dispose of it.  There is no excuse for that kind of behavior.  If people realized what a great job the employees do at the center, they would behave differently.

People also rip signs off the bins at the convenience centers because they do not want to be told where to place various items.  It’s easier to put all trash in one bag and dump that bag in one place.  Easy, yes.  Smart, no.   People who refuse to recycle reap the benefits of others who do (through less taxes).  It would be nice if they would pitch in and help instead of making others carry the burden.

What a difference it would make if everyone made an effort to recycle.   More money could be made by the center so more people could be hired.  Jobs are desperately needed in Haywood County.  More money would also help keep taxes lower and eventually provide for upgrades in equipment.

Reasons to recycle far outweigh the excuses not to do so.  Start today.  Those who have questions regarding how to go about it are asked to see the people at the Recycling Center.   They are passionate about their work and helpful.