By Kimberly Mazza
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is recognizing America Recycles Day (ARD) today and celebrating the recycling-efforts of Wyoming’s citizens that play an important part in keeping our state beautiful.
Officially started in Texas on November 15, 1994, this national event is celebrated every year to educate and encourage individuals on how to be more mindful of what they consume, where and how to properly recycle, and to recycle more and recycle right in their everyday lives.
Craig McOmie, DEQ’s state recycling coordinator, explained that recycling and reducing waste are steps in which everyone can participate and play a positive role in the state’s environment while helping to reduce the costs of managing waste. “Landfills are expensive to design, construct and expand. However, recycling can extend a landfill’s life while creating jobs,” he stated.
McOmie added that though recycling in rural states can be a challenge due to distant markets, most Wyoming communities are fortunate to have local recycling opportunities.
“We see a great deal of waste diversion through recycling state-wide,” he said. “The DEQ would like to recognize the hard work of those that work in the recycling industry.”
Find out more about ARD and the benefits of recycling here.