Recycle Montana Awards its 'Recycler of the Year'

Press release

The nonprofit statewide organization Recycle Montana gave its first annual Recycler of the Year award at their recycling informational event held at the State Capitol in Helena.

Rep. James O’Hara, R-Fort Benton, awarded the “Golden Bale” — a crushed composite of aluminum cans painted gold — to his constituents from Fort Benton Recycles.

“We decided it was time Montanans are recognized for their efforts to offer recycling opportunities,” Recycle Montana President Candi Zion said. “We chose this grassroots, volunteer group because they work diligently to provide services, including establishing partnerships with other organizations and utilizing the skills of their local youth.”

Fort Benton Recycles has been recycling since 2013 and has since collected more than 100,000 pounds of recyclables in Chouteau County, population about 5,000. They collect all types of paper, offer document shredding, accept tin and aluminum cans as well as cardboard, which is baled in a baler purchased three years ago. They started out by collecting and hauling recyclables in pickups and horse trailers but have partnered with Steel Etc. of Great Falls, which provides recycling bins and bin pickup-service. High school and junior high students help make the recycling program successful.

“We had over 40 people from Fort Benton brave icy roads to Helena, about 30 of them were kids who volunteer at Fort Benton Recycles,” Zion said. “All their efforts help the environment and extend the life of the landfill saving taxpayer dollars.”

Recycle Montana offers the where, what and why to recycle for the state of Montana including technical support, recycling resources, waste audit plans, lesson plans and networking opportunities. Additionally, Recycle Montana provides a statewide list of recycling locations which links to local recycling opportunities. This information and more can be found at recyclemontana.org.