Recyclers, rejoice! The local recycling center made much-needed repairs to a piece of equipment thanks to the generosity of a local citizen.
Henry County Industries received a $10,000 donation from a person who wishes to remain anonymous, and the amount was enough to pay to repair a large baler, according to Carley Ross, director of the center.
The donor heard a presentation that Ross made to the Clinton Rotary Club and soon thereafter read the article in the Clinton Democrat about the break down. He came to the recycling center at 516 N. Price Lane with his checkbook in hand.
“I cried,” Ross said when she was handed the check. “It was a relief. I have more faith in the community now.”
Not long after, a second person gave $3,000 to pay for any repairs not covered by the first donation. The center could not have paid for the repairs without the gifts, she said. A company from Grandview specializing in baler repairs fixed the equipment.
Henry County Industries “is a sheltered workshop for people with mental and physical disabilities,” Ross said. The workshop relies solely on recycling for its income, which includes a contract with local business PLZ. The employees’ jobs are matched to their abilities, so not everyone can complete the contracted work. The center currently has 15 employees with disabilities. Ross said the repair means more work hours for everyone.
Ross said she has made changes for dropping off recycling during the time the center has been unable to accept plastics and paper. While the cardboard, metal and aluminum containers remain outside, the bins for paper, milks jugs and plastics are now inside.
“We hope this will help people not leave items outside that we can’t recycle,” she said. Among the items that have been dropped off are styrofoam, plastic bags, household plastics like furniture, building materials and plastics numbered 3 through 7. Henry County Industries must pay to get rid of the items.
“We have the dumpster emptied three times a week,” Ross said.
Items accepted inside the building include plastics numbered 1 and 2, milk jugs, newspaper, mixed paper such as magazines, and white paper, which is all office paper. An employee will accept bagged shredded paper.
The building will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and one Saturday morning per month or possibly later occasionally during the week. The center’s Facebook page is best place to learn about extended hours, Ross said.
