News : Cardboard recycling trailer returns; users reminded of guidelines

After the removal of the cardboard recycling trailer because of problems with people placing non-cardboard trash in the trailer, Mayor John Watson led an effort by the City of Vinton to negotiate its return with Josh Fry of J & R Enterprises of Garrison. Although the trailer is located inside the fenced-in area of the Benton County Engineer/Road Department, Mayor Watson said this effort with the trailer is a city-funded venture. Yet, said the Mayor, the trailer is available for both city and county individuals and businesses to use. "It's a trial run," said the Mayor on Friday, warning that abuse of the trailer will cause it to be removed. Mayor Watson has discussed this issue at a few recent council meetings. He said that because of contamination, Fry had chosen to discontinue the service. Watson worked for weeks negotiating with Fry to return the trailer. Both Watson and Fry stressed the urgency of complying with the guidelines. The city has issued the following guidelines for those who want to use the trailer for cardboard recycling:

• This trailer is for CARDBOARD only. This means no trash or other recyclable items.

• Styrofoam, ties, plastic, paper, shipping straps, etc MUST be removed and disposed of separately. Again, only cardboard in the trailer, NOTHING else.

• Cardboard must be flattened

• Please load and stack the cardboard, starting in the back of the trailer

• The trailer is open for dropoff from 7:30-3:00 pm M-F only

• If the trailer isn't available, don't leave your cardboard on the ground. Take it back with you and return with the trailer is available.

• This is a free resource that is organized by the City of Vinton; please don't ask county employees to help unload your cardboard.
• Those with questions should direct them to City Hall at 472-4707, and not the County Engineer's Office.