Editorial

Recycling is a no-brainer, and so easy

In some cities, recycling programs are mandatory, and residents pay for curbside pickup of recyclable materials.

In Mesquite, the city will provide — at no extra charge — two extra containers, one for metal cans, the other for newsprint with free monthly pickup for each commodity.

It was pointed out at Friday’s Mesquite Goes Green event, organized by Virgin Valley Family Services, that only 300 households in the city have the residential recycling containers, and of those, only 50 use them.

For shame. It just couldn’t get much easier.

In defense of diligent recyclers, many people don’t wait for curbside pickup of recyclables, but take them to the recycling bins at The Ranch, Smith’s and Wal-Mart where they can deposit corrugated cardboard, plastic milk jugs (without caps), water bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers.

Nevada has a long way to go in recycling. A container deposit system would help the environment, not to mention provide a little income for people suffering through hard times. Meanwhile, the City of Mesquite and Virgin Valley Disposal and Recycling are doing their part, but the response from citizens is something less than impressive. We’re filling up our landfill and wasting resources when we could do so much more with just a little effort.

http://www.thespectrum.com/article/20110322/DVTONLINE03/110321015