Recycle Livingston Sorts For a Cause

Recycle Livingston and recycling facts:

• WHERE IS IT? The nonprofit's center is in Howell at 170 Catrell St. It is open on 11:50 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9-1 p.m.
• DOES IT COST ANYTHING? Yes. A membership costs $25 per year and $20 per year for a senior citizen. There are no residency requirements. Without a membership, there is a $3 gate fee.
• HOW MUCH IS RECYCLED PER YEAR? More than 500 tons of recyclable material goes through the Livingston center. In 2010, the nonprofit processed 505 tons.
• WHY RECYCLE?

1. "We will eventually run out of landfill space and no one wants a new one in their own backyard,” said Linda Berch, executive director for Recycle Livingston.
2. Michigan's current level of recycling is 20 percent, which is less than other states, according to Berch.
3. There would be an increase of jobs for the state if upped its recycling percentage just 10 percent. It would create between 6,000–12,000 jobs, Berch said.

• HOW CAN I LEARN MORE? The mailing address is P.O. Box 1018 Howell, MI 48844. Phone is 517-548-4439. Website is www.recyclelivingston.org. Email: recycleliv@sbcglobal.net.

Editor's note: This is the second installment of a series Hartland Patch is running on environmental issues to mark Earth Day (April 22).