The town of Wadesboro recently expanded its recycling drop-off hours, and one local business owner is happy to see it.
Between her business and her fiance’s business, Elizabeth Schafer said she estimates they recycle at least 100 gallons of glass per week. Schafer, owner of Southern Medley Wine Cellar and fiancée of Jeff Oliver, the owner of Oliver’s Hometown Restaurant and Bar, said that wine bottles make up the majority of that.
Her 100-gallon estimate didn’t include the many cardboard boxes both businesses, especially the restaurant, recycle each week. Having less trash to put out makes it easier on the business employees, she said.
Although there is a recycling drop-off location in Polkton, Schafer said she believes having a drop-off in town is helping Wadesboro become more green. “It is much more convenient to have it here,” she said. “I think people are much more likely to recycle with the ease of it.”
Both the central location and extended hours add to the convenience, Schafer said. “It was really something that’s necessary for the town,” she added.
Wadesboro Mayor Bill Thacker said he was happy that there was so much demand for the drop-off location that the town had to expand the hours, adding that the program has been more successful than he hoped it would be.
Initially, the recycling receptacle behind the Wadesboro Police Department and Tollison Building was open only on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. As its popularity increased, so did the need for expanded hours. Now, Wadesboro residents and small businesses can take their recycling there any time during the week, according to Thacker.
The drop-off site is used so often that town employees have to empty the receptacle at least once a week, according to Thacker.
He is glad to see the service used so much. “It was a starting project to see how citizens would react,” Thacker said. “They exceeded our expectations. The more we can recycle, the less goes into the landfill.”
The expanded hours will create more opportunities to recycle. “I think it will help citizens when they’re coming through town during the week with some stuff they need to get rid of,” Thacker said. “This can really help.”
Thacker is happy with the success. “I think that’s something we can be proud of as the town of Wadesboro, that we have really helped,” he said.
When asked if the town will expand the service to include the recycling of batteries and light bulbs, Thacker said there are no immediate plans, but he will ask town officials to consider it.
Citizens can bring papers, books, magazines, empty aerosol spray cans (no paint), shredded paper in clear bags, glass bottles and jars, and more to the drop-off. Hardbound books, wire hangers, ceramics, pots and pans, styrofoam, and contaminated food items, and other items are not allowed.
To learn more about what can and can’t be taken to the drop-off site, visit www.townofwadesboro.org.
