Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Recycling is one of the best ways for people to individually have a positive impact on the world in which we live. Recycling is important to both the natural environment and us. We must act fast as the amount of waste we create is increasing all the time.
The amount of rubbish we create is constantly increasing because as a whole, the population steadily increases and in turn, there are more people on the planet to create waste. New packaging and technological products are being developed, and much of these products contain materials that are not biodegradable. And with new products, people are buying these new products and ultimately creating more waste. New lifestyle changes, such as people more and more eating fast food, means that we create additional waste that isn’t biodegradable.
Recycling is very important as waste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites. Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste. Habitat destruction and global warming are some of the affects caused by deforestation, and recycling reduces the need for raw materials so that the rainforests can be preserved. Huge amounts of energy are used when making products from raw materials. Recycling requires much less energy and therefore helps to preserve natural resources.
We as a populace, even in rural Tyrone, should realize the importance recycling has on people. There is no space for waste. Landfill sites are filling up fast. We can reduce financial expenditures in the economy. Making products from raw materials costs much more than if they were made from recycled products. We can preserve natural resources for future generations, because recycling reduces the need for raw materials and uses less energy, therefore preserving natural resources for the future.
Tyrone Mayor James Kilmartin understands the importance of recycling and he feels it is vital to take care of the environment. He says if we don’t recycle it affects everyone, but if we do, we set an example for future generations.
“It’s very essential we do our part as a small community because we play a part in the larger perspective,” added Mayor Kilmartin. “We need to be good stewards and take care of the environment, and recycling is a key part of it.”
In the Tyrone Borough, Burgmeier’s Hauling & Recycling, Inc. of Altoona offers its services for our community to recycle every week throughout every month in combination with trash pick-up. In October, the Tyrone Borough recycling schedule is as follows: October 9, 10 and 11, newspaper recycling only; October 16, 17 and 18, co-mingled recycling (aluminum, glass and plastic); October 23, 24 and 25, newspaper only; and October 30, 31 and November 1, Burgmeier’s will conduct Fall Cleanup.
The designated components of recyclable materials residents of the borough can place curbside for scheduled pick-up include aluminum, glass, steel and bimetallic cans, newsprint and plastics.
The recycling dates coincide with trash pick-up, and Burgmeier’s asks that residents on their designated dates have their trash and recycling at curbside by 6 a.m. Residents who need recycling bins can pick them up at the Highway Garage on 1500 Lincoln Avenue between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There are also recycling drop off sites located in the lot by Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller’s office and a site located by the Snyder Township building.
Tyrone is doing its part when it comes to recycling, but more can always be done. More people can recycle. So far this year, the Borough of Tyrone has recycled 83,300 pounds of newsprint and 79,120 pounds of co-mingled recyclables, coming to a grand total of 162,420 pounds of recyclable material collected.
It seems like a big number, but it’s also a big planet. Recycle more.

By Rick