Education The Key To Recycling
The topic of recycling can be frustrating and confusing. Over the past year there has been an attempt to reeducate residents on what can and cannot be recycled. Part of the issue is that the market for plastics has been severely limited by new requirements from our nation’s greatest importer of recycling China. Kelly Bell is the coordinator for Lane County Recycling and she says there were warning signs that changes were coming.
“They have been signaling for many years, over a decade that they want cleaner material that they need cleaner material.”
Bell says that China change its allowance for contaminants to a very low level. While some of the contamination comes from people not properly cleaning out their recycling, most of the issue stems from the separation of items. Items get passed over a conveyor and when things like Christmas lights, clothing and plastic bags are introduced it causes the equipment to malfunction allowing for contaminants to pass into otherwise clean areas. One Eugene company is on the leading edge of helping to solve this problem.
“It’s called Bulk Handling Systems and they have robotic machinery that can sort things very quickly and very efficiently.’
The problem, Bell says is cost. While Oregon is a very conscientious state, it does not have the volume of recycling that could support facilities that would create cleaner recycling. For now Bell says the answer is education. Lane Community College will be offering a Master Recycler’s program to residents beginning in January, free of charge. A simple commitment of volunteer hours is all that is required.
Marijuana Growers Get Visit From OLCC
The state of Oregon has been conducting cannabis growers inspections over the past two month. Operation Good Harvest visited 354 growers around the state and found that 88 percent of the growers are in compliance with state law regarding production of Marijuana. About 12 percent or 41 manufacturers were not in compliance and were given information on how to fix issues or be in danger of losing their license to grow. Steve Marks with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission which overseas Marijuana production across the state says that results are promising and efforts will continue to ensure that state laws are enforced.
Tree Lighting
This Saturday the annual tree lightning festival will be on Bay Street at the interpretive center. The event is organized by the Florence area chamber of commerce. The event will begin at 3:30. There will be a decorated boat flotilla, hayrides, hot cocoa, live music and the lighting of the tree. Live music with Ken Lavigne will be from 5:30 to 6:00 pm and Mayor Joe Henry will light the tree at 6:00. It will also be the official arrival of Santa courtesy of Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.
Accident Impedes 101 Traffic
At 5:05 last night Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle accident on highway 101 and 15th street. Western Lane Ambulance was also called to the scene along with Florence Police. There is no word on the condition of the occupants. The insides lanes of highway 101 in both directions were blocked and traffic was limited in the area. It appeared as though a vehicle was struck while trying to cross 101 from 15th street. OSP is investigating the crash.
