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A Recycling Trailer Makes a Nebraska Community Environmentally Friendly

Posted by Vicki Schurman, USDA Nebraska Public Information Officer in Rural
May 18, 2011

USDA Rural Development in Nebraska celebrated with the City of Pawnee City last month in honor of Earth Day, the recent delivery of a multi-bin recycling trailer.  City officials, school children and those instrumental to the project attended.  The ribbon was cut signifying the community dedication to this project and a plaque from Rural Development was presented applauding the City for securing the funds needed.  Rural Development assisted with a grant of $8,000 leveraged with $6,555 from the City.  A host of children took part in the event and poster contest winners were announced.

The recycling trailer establishes a stable, sustainable recycling connection for all citizens of Pawnee City.  A City staff member shuttles the trailer to a regional recycling center at least twice a month.  The Pawnee City Student Council leaders volunteered to assist in the oversight and maintenance of the trailer and were present at the event to give a demonstration.

This recycling trailer,  purchased with city and USDA funds, will help a Nebraska community’s recycling program.
This recycling trailer, purchased with city and USDA funds, will help a Nebraska community’s recycling program.

Previously, the citizens and business owners were only able to recycle aluminum, other metals and waste oil so the need for a recycling trailer was apparent. Today they recycle #1 and #2 plastic, newspapers, chipboard, cardboard, metal cans, paper and magazines.

Pawnee City is very familiar with USDA Rural Development.  The community has received funds to assist in the purchase of land on which to build a new public library; $3.6 million to assist in the replacement of its wastewater treatment system and $2.9 million for a water improvement project.

To find out more about how USDA Rural Development programs can benefit your community, click here.

Pictured L-R:  City Council Member Deb Klein, Mayor Duane Westing, Council Member Roxann Buman, City Clerk Tamela Stephens, Office Clerk Tina Moore, Deputy City Clerk Carol Glathar and USDA Rural Development Area Specialist Sara Seidel.
Pictured L-R: City Council Member Deb Klein, Mayor Duane Westing, Council Member Roxann Buman, City Clerk Tamela Stephens, Office Clerk Tina Moore, Deputy City Clerk Carol Glathar and USDA Rural Development Area Specialist Sara Seidel.
The Pawnee City students participated in the event with a poster contest.
The Pawnee City students participated in the event with a poster contest.

Category/Topic: Rural