Cans mean dollars

Neighbors on redemption patrol. Volunteers added $87 to the Special Projects Fund.

Thanks to the dedication of a committed group of volunteers, $87 was raised for the Special Projects Fund through the recycling of aluminum cans—a small effort that makes a meaningful impact.

During the past several months, residents placed their aluminum cans in recycling bins designated for that purpose. Our volunteers gathered a full trailer load, transported it to the recycling station, and redeemed the cans for cash. Their time, energy, and teamwork directly benefit both our neighborhood and the planet.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mark Holmes, Jack Wilhelmi, John Graham, Larry Nield, Steve Young, Duaine Richards, Randy Baker, and Dale Miller for their hands-on efforts. Their stewardship helps strengthen our community and supports ongoing environmental responsibility.

This aluminum can–recycling program consistently raises a few hundred dollars each year, thanks to residents who sort and recycle their beverage cans. Beyond the financial support, the environmental payoff is significant: aluminum can be recycled endlessly, keeping valuable material out of landfills and reducing the need for new resources. Each can recycled contributes to cleaner surroundings and a healthier future.

To make participation even easier, the board is exploring the idea of placing a recycling receptacle in each circle. This potential expansion would offer residents a more convenient way to support both community projects and sustainable practices.

Positioned by the circle dumpster, a pilot collection container in Circle 6 has been collecting and delivering cans without the nuisance of people putting trash or other items into the container. The cleaner cans mean quicker and easier processing for volunteers.

Residents have expressed appreciation for a closer collection container than having to go by the maintenance shed.

Objections to the collectors are that some residents aren't careful depositing materials, which means having to recycle the recyclables, and the financial return on container investment might take a few years to pay off.

It takes a village to ... redeem those cans. Neighbors turned out to wrangle cans from the shed and a pilot container in Circle 6 to generate funds for the Special Project Fund.