By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Hannah Smith, a self-proclaimed “nature nerd,” is really, really committed to recycling.
“My friends get annoyed with me,” Smith said. “I pull stuff out of their trash to recycle.”
That dedication is perfect for the job Smith just started as recycling outreach coordinator for Wood County.
“This is something I’m really looking forward to,” Smith said recently during her first week on the job. “I believe in protecting our planet and encouraging others to do the same. It’s important to me.”
As she met the Wood County Commissioners during her first week, they asked her about the three Rs.
Smith politely informed them that environmental efforts have now been expanded to the four Rs:
- Refuse – as in say “no” to single-use items.
- Reduce – “This is where you can make the most impact,” Smith said.
- Reuse – as in find a new use for an item.
- Recycle – put items in the recycling container, so they can be turned into something new.
Smith’s primary responsibility will be to work on county recycling efforts at the 10 permanent locations the county has set up with mixed recycling bins.
“Recycling is definitely the key component,” she said. “But I’d like to engage with people so that all four Rs are utilized.”
The county recycling drop-off sites take unsorted items – including plastics (No. 1 through 7), glass, aluminum, and broken down cardboard.
The recyclables are picked up by Republic, which the county contracts with for sorting the items and processing at the Republic plant.
While the recyclables don’t have to be sorted, they should not be contaminated by non-recyclables, Smith said.
Part of her job is to educate local citizens about which items should be thrown into the recyclable bins.
“So they know exactly what can and can’t be recycled,” Smith said.
Some members of the public also need to be advised about “responsible recycling,” and warned to not leave their trash outside the recycling bins.
Smith, originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a degree in environmental affairs from Indiana University. She has experience working at a national wildlife refuge, with Partners for Clean Streams, and with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments.
Smith was raised to respect nature.
“We were brought up that you play outside till it’s dark,” she said.
When Smith saw the opening with Wood County for a recycling outreach coordinator, she knew it was a good fit for her.
“I saw the job and it was a dream come true,” she said.
Smith plans to get information out to local residents through the website, brochures, and by holding different events and workshops on topics such as composting.
“We’re glad to have you on board,” Wood County Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said to Smith. “We’re looking forward to your creativity and ideas.”
