Ralph Friebel, owner of Recycle North Dakota, says the question he gets most often from people is if he’s having difficulty getting rid of recycled material. The answer to that is no.
“I’m not sure why people think that but I’m assuming it comes from a few years ago when China stopped buying everything from us…,” he said. But Friebel has never had a problem moving the recycled material he gets.
“The commodity prices certainly haven’t helped us but we still get rid of everything and we get paid for it,” he said.
Recycle North Dakota, which has a contract with the city of Jamestown, operates three trucks in Jamestown and also provides recycling and garbage services in Edgeley, he said. Work hasn’t changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“When the pandemic first started we were notified right away by the city (Jamestown) that we are an essential service and so we have not stopped operating at all during this whole past year,” he said.
Friebel says participation in recycling in Jamestown is good.
“The actual participation rate for the whole year last year – it’s above 70 percent,” he said. “That’s really good. It’s at least at or above national average.
“I would say we’re pleased with it,” he said. “I think where we could improve is we know that there are a lot of things that are recyclable that are still going in the garbage.”
Virtually any paper, cardboard and plastic are recyclable, he said.
“Even from the people that are participating, we’re not getting all of that,” he said.
He isn’t certain how to accomplish improving that.
“That would be a benefit to the whole city, to the landfill,” he said. “The more stuff we recycle the less goes in the landfill, obviously.”
Many people bring items to the Recycle North Dakota building, he said. Some are Jamestown residents who bring glass or shoes and clothing. Others are from other communities including Pettibone, Medina, Streeter and Carrington, he said.
Recycle North Dakota provides service to businesses as well and Friebel said some businesses also bring items directly to the facility.
“We also have agreements with a lot of businesses in town,” Friebel said. “Most of that is cardboard.”
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