It is often times hard to grasp the environmental impact a single individual will have by recycling the soda can they drank from at lunch or the postcard they received from Aunt Ida in Jamaica.  Recycling is a collaborative effort—silent teamwork—with the efforts of each individual, recycling each piece of paper or plastic, contributing to the overall health of  Mother Nature.  The collaboration of the Weston 4 Power Plant construction and WasteCap is a unique, local opportunity to witness the power of recycling on a grander scale—placing its potential under a magnifying glass—and serves as a reminder that each recycling effort, no matter how grand, ordinary, or small, can make a difference.

The partnership between Wisconsin Public Service Weston 4 Power Plant and WasteCap began in October 2004, at the beginning of construction.  WasteCap is a non-profit statewide organization dedicated to providing waste reduction and recycling assistance to businesses.  Specifically with the Weston 4 project, WasteCap has been heavily involved in providing technical assistance, educational assistance, monitoring, measuring, and documenting the construction waste management efforts.  This unique partnership will end in April 2008, as construction on the Weston 4 Power Plant is completed.

This four year, large-scale recycling effort has produced numbers insurmountable to comprehend.  As of December 15, 2007, WasteCap has measured construction recycling efforts at Weston 4 to have saved 8,767 tons (17,534,000 lbs.) of materials from going into landfills—this calculates a savings of almost $530,000.  Every individual who has participated in this recycling effort prides themselves on the 82.95% recycling rate that has been upheld throughout the power plant construction.  The collaboration of Wisconsin Public Service and WasteCap is a prime example of the need to be proactive when a waste recycling opportunity arises.

Although your own individual or household recycling efforts will certainly fall short of those of the Weston 4 project, it’s important to recognize and act upon the silent responsibility handed to you by Mother Nature.  If you are a novice recycler, take it one step at a time, building up one material at a time.  If you have been conscientiously recycling your waste for years, share your knowledge and skills with others.  Recognize your integral role in recycling—take the time to check out your community’s waste management and recycling services.  Remember, no matter the size of your recycling efforts—from a soda can to the Weston 4 project—every little bit counts in the revitalization of our community and Mother Nature.

For more specific information regarding the amount of recycled materials collected at Weston 4, visit http://www.wastecapwi.org/weston4.

If you live in the City of Wausau, visit http://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/newsletter/GarbagePickupInsert.pdf for information regarding your garbage pickup, as well as other recycling opportunities.