KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The plans for Threshold Recycling Services to expand into a larger facility have been pushed back a few months. Ken Reinke is the executive director for Threshold and said engineering problems have kept recycling operations out of its new building.
"Well we had some problems with engineering it into the ground. We got an engineered building delivered but the engineering for putting in into the ground turned out to be way over our budget so we’re working on that so that we can do the right kind of foundation for it."
Reinke said the expansion will definitely still happen, but anticipates another month or so to get the building in place. The new building will be located on the property behind the current facility.
Despite the delay, Threshold is still busy doing what it does best: taking care of Kodiak’s recyclables. The service recently acquired a new contract with the Kodiak Island Borough, and Reinke said it’s a much better deal for the community.
— (Threshold Contract 2 : 27 "The Borough before always had to pay if there was any increases in recycling and so there was no relief for that. As much as came in, they would have to pay for that. And we have designed a better contract for everyone where once we pass the same amount that always gets recycled every year pretty much, 650 tons, the rest is free.")
Reinke said this should be a huge incentive for people to keep recycling, because in essence every bit that is recycled drops the price for the Borough. Threshold is a unique recycling service in that it works both toward environmental stewardship and helping individuals with disabilities. Majority of Threshold’s workforce is comprised of these individuals and Reinke said continued recycling will help keep them employed.
— (Threshold Contract 3 : 18 "In 2011 we had 7,000 hours of helping people with disabilities and we want to keep those kind of numbers. And as long as we’re recycling for the community, and the community is bringing their stuff, we can produce that kind of production for our disabilities programs.")
As for the new contract, Reinke said drop-off recycling service will continue as normal. He said there was murmur of a curbside service at one point, but that was turned down.
— (Threshold Contract 4 : 27 "We gave out survey cards to a big portion of the community and a lot of people responded. And in order for curbside recycling to happen people would have to pay some amount, it wouldn’t be much, but people would have to pay some amount. Like $15 a month is what they pay in Anchorage for this service, curbside recycling service. And people overwhelmingly did not want to pay that.")
Reinke said their proximity to Safeway makes drop offs convenient. He said recycling has increased slightly in recent years, but there is always room for more improvement. ###
