JOPLIN, Mo. —
In the days after the May 22, 2011, tornado, Garen McMillian watched truckload after truckload of debris being hauled to landfills.
Some of it, he said, could have been recycled.
McMillian, a member of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network, and others who say they are concerned about the future of recycling decided to go on a fact-finding mission with the purpose of educating themselves about the subject.
Now, McMillian said, they need input from the public regarding its attitude about recycling.
The YPN group, called Recycle Joplin, includes Christina Williams, Amber Duncan, Katy Hoyer and Katrina Richards, all of Joplin. Sherrie Cloyd, Joplin chamber executive assistant and YPN coordinator, is assisting the group.
The YPN was formed in 2008, McMillian said. It comprises young adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
“By no means have we become experts on recycling,” McMillian said. “But we have found there are a lot of people in Joplin who recycle. It’s been heartwarming to find those people and discover what they are doing.”
A survey being conducted by the group is seeking public input on curbside recycling.
A proposal for curbside recycling in Joplin, presented in July by Allied Waste Services of Galena, Kan., would have increased monthly trash rates for residents. It did not win the approval of the City Council. Several members did not think residents would support the additional fees.
McMillian said questions about curbside recycling and fees are included on the survey.
The group has surveyed 516 people and is hoping to reach 1,000 by Nov. 1. McMillian said members of the YPN will tabulate the results and turn them over to the city, hoping to bring about further discussion.
“We are not tied to the outcome, but this type of a survey should help the community make better decisions for the future,” he said. “Are people willing to pay extra or not?”
Take the survey
THERE ARE TWO WAYS to take the survey. People may fill out the survey below or stop by the Joplin Public Library and fill out a paper survey.
