It is hard to believe that recycling in the Bangor area has been an ongoing process for 20 years. During that time, recycling has expanded and many communities have brought recyclables to the Bangor Regional Facility for processing. The regional concept of recycling required joint efforts among towns, the Maine Resource Recovery Association, the State Planning Office, the city of Bangor and commercial haulers.

Commercial haulers, including Pinetree, Evergreen, Waste Management, Wyndsaung Farms, Sullivan’s and Bolster’s, to name a few, play a very important role in the regional concept of recycling.

These companies ensure that recyclables from 33 towns come to the Bangor recycling center. Without the transportation aspect of recycling, recycling would not exist. Large quantities of cardboard, newspaper, plastic, office paper, glass bottles and tin cans would be sent to landfills or other recovery facilities.

As we continue to recycle we should occasionally remind ourselves that recycling does not just happen. Products need be collected, sorted and hauled to make the entire system work, and the commercial haulers fill this role.

Recycling is no longer just a fad – it is here to stay. As we look toward the future, we should be thankful for the combined efforts of the past. Towns understood the importance of regionalization and their recyclables were brought to Bangor.

The Maine Resource Recovery Association was the catalyst that coordinated deliveries, shipped materials and returned revenue to communities.

The State Planning Office supported the regional concept and provided grant money for the purchase of processing equipment. The city of Bangor took the leadership role and provided infrastructure and staffing that made the Bangor facility one of the largest in the state. Last but not least, the commercial haulers made it all work by delivering materials. Talk about a team effort!

Thanks is extended to all those who have helped make the Bangor Regional Processing Facility a success.