St Landry Recycling extends life of landfill while providing cash in hand or for schools

June 7, 2011

Recycling can help preserve the St. Landry Parish landfill, protect the environment and add a little money to your pocket, employee Mike Guidry told Eunice Rotarians last week.

Guidry, who has worked at the St. Landry Parish Recycling Plant in Opelousasfor 20 years, said that 3.5 to 4 million pounds of recycling is processed each year in his plant and the one located in Eunice.

The St. Landry Parish Solid Waste Commission, which is funded through 8/10ths of a 1 percent sales tax, has operated recycling plants in the parish since 1981.

Guidry said the recycling plants take all sorts of items – beverage cans, most plastics, cardboard, paper, newspaper and magazines, and steel cans, such as canned vegetables come in.

The recycling centers also accept old computers, phones, cameras and other electronics.

Guidry said the recycling plants pay for recyclables brought in; sellers have a choice of taking cash for their recyclables or donating it to the parish school of their choice.

The recycling centers are open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Recyclables are baled up, processed, and resold for use in a variety of products.

Guidry said that 350 tons of trash arrive daily at the parish landfill, located in Washington.

The landfill is expected to remain operational for another 20 years before it fills up, Guidry said, but by recycling, it may be extended.

Many communities throughout the country have weekly curbside pick-up of recyclables. Asked if that was likely to happen here, Guidry said he did not think it likely unless mandated by the state legislature and paid for by additional taxes, although he thought it was a good idea and would like to see it happen here.

“The more educated we become on the subject of recycling, the more people’s minds will be broadened and the more we can do,” Guidry said.

More information: www.slpsolidwaste.org or (337) 826-5211.

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