Teton Valley Community Recycling

Teton Valley Community Recycling (TVCR) has been the advocate for integrated waste management, municipal composting, DEQ compliance, waste reduction and recycling in the Valley since 1997. During these years, we have come to understand that recycling cannot exist as a stand-alone operation; rather, it must integrate with well managed waste program.

• To develop ethical waste reduction solutions that are financially and environmentally sound for our community.
• A healthy community that reduces, reuses, recycles, and rethinks its way towards zero waste.
• Transforming Waste into Resources.

Recycling In Teton Valley

There are two ways to recycle in Teton Valley, Idaho. You can bring your recyclables to the Transfer Station in Driggs, or you may pay for curbside pick-up through RAD, who currently holds the county’s waste hauler contract.Sorted and recyclable items are collected in various locations at the Transfer Station.These locations are the stockpiles to the east of the scale house, in the green bins south of the transfer building, in plastic containers just north of the white tent and in the scale house.

Why can’t I recycle plastics #3 through #7?
It takes a minimum of two years to accumulate a full truck load of #1 and #2 plastics for shipment at the Transfer Station. Teton County has shipped two loads since we started recycling #1 and #2 plastics in 2012. That plastic was sold to Sage Recycling in Colorado.Recycling plastic reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill — Mud Lake, but it also raises a lot of questions. Why can we only recycle bottles, and why only #1 and #2 plastics? Do we have to remove the caps? What happens to the plastic that is recycled? #1 and #2 plastics are recyclable because there are markets for the end products. #3 thru #7 plastics are made from different processes, and have more dyes, fillers and other additives. This makes it much harder to recycle them.Even some #1 and #2 plastics are made with different processes and additives, and cannot be mixed in the recycling process. This is why #1 food tubs and trays are not recyclable with #1 bottles, and #2 plastic bags cannot be recycled with #2 bottles.Bottle caps are also made with a different process and contaminate the bale when left on bottles. Every city TVCR has talked with that accepts #1 thru #7 plastics ships them to China for recycling. In general, #1 plastics are made into polar fleece, carpet fiber, tote bags, furniture, sleeping bags and jackets. #2 plastics tend to be recycled into lumber, benches, picnic tables, fencing, floor tile, trash receptacles and pens.

Current TVCR Projects Include:

• Implementing the Waste Diversion Plan that was created to guide Teton County through the best strategies for reducing waste and increasing diversion.

• “Close the Loop” programming that connects waste producers with local businesses, farms, and individuals who can use the waste product.

• Education programs in schools and Recycling Center tours.

• Community outreach, education and special events, including an environmental film series, presentations and workshops, a monthly column in the Teton Valley News, and a monthly e-newsletter.

• Grant writing that supports both Teton Valley Community Recycling complete it’s goals as well as supports Teton County Solid Waste department.

• TVCR works toward ethical waste reduction solutions that are financially and environmentally sound for our community. The key words here are “waste reduction,” “ethical,” “financially sound,” and “environment.”

• TVCR works as a regional and state liaison to provide equipment for more advanced recycling opportunities and shared resources.