Winneshiek County recycling performance "healthy," despite drop in prices

Winneshiek County resident recycled almost 700 tons of material in the three months from July 1st through September 30th.

Winneshiek County Recycling Coordinator Terry Buenzow says those 697 tons of recyclable materials sold for over $60,000.  "We're pretty happy with that," Buenzow told county supervisors Monday.

The good performance comes despite a drop in prices of recyclable materials, as well as a decline in the recycling of paper and glass.  Paper recycling continues to decrease as less paper is used, while less than 100 tons of glass are now recycled in a year's time in Winneshiek County.

Winneshiek County recycled 246 tons of cardboard during the three month period, which brought in $20,478.  Much of that cardboard was reused by companies in Iowa that create products such as egg cartons.

Buenzow told supervisors that even though market prices are "horrible" now, the Recycling Center is operating efficiently and there are a number of regular buyers for the material.