‘We are grateful’: Delta Wide Recycling thanks voters, looks to the future
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ESCANABA — Following voter approval of the Delta County recycling, composting and hazardous waste millage, Delta Solid Waste Management Authority (DSWMA) officials thanked residents for their support and outlined plans for Delta Wide Recycling’s future.
Jessica Ketcham, DSWMA assistant manager, said the support shown by voters was encouraging for the staff who operate Delta Wide Recycling. Ketcham will soon step into the role of administrative manager upon Terri Rabitoy’s retirement from the center.
“We are grateful to have the support of Delta County residents,” Ketcham said. “Knowing that the services that we provide at Delta Wide Recycling are important, not only to the environment but to the residents of Delta County, gives us pride in the work we do every day.”
Rabitoy reiterated Ketcham’s statement, thanking Delta County taxpayers for their loyalty and support of the center’s programs.
“It is our honor to serve our community, and we look forward to continuing the current programs and looking for ways to expand and better serve Delta County residents!” Rabitoy said.
On Tuesday, Delta County voters approved renewing 0.297 mills for a 10-year period, which will continue to help fund the recycling program, household hazardous waste program and composting at Delta Wide Recycling, 5701 19th Ave N in Escanaba.
The renewed millage will take effect as a continuation of the existing levy, meaning Delta County taxpayers will not see a change in the millage rate.
“If the Delta Wide Recycling millage renewal would not have passed, we were looking at needing to raise rates for our customers — both for recycling and solid waste — in order to cover the costs of the recycling program. We are happy that we are now able to continue to provide recycling, household hazardous waste disposal and composting to Delta County residents at no additional charge,” Ketcham added.
With the election behind them, the DSWMA is focusing on improving public education and expanding recycling opportunities.
“Now that the millage has passed, we are shifting to educating the public on what can and cannot be included in their recycling,” Ketcham said. “We are also continuously working to increase the types of items that we can take into our recycling program.”
Rabitoy also said their educational campaigns will aim to “help people understand what can be recycled curbside so we can avoid cross-contamination from garbage, oil, etc. that would prevent some materials from being recycled.”
More information can be found on the Delta Wide Recycling – Delta County Landfill’s Facebook page.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.