The Convergence Project Works for Downtown Recycling Bins

Casey Mills, Staff Writer,
The Mountain Mail, Oct 22, 2008

The campaign for recycling bins in downtown Salida came another step closer Monday night, when Brock Oyler of The Convergence Project, Mickey Barry of Angel of Shavano Recycling and Kathleen Nelson made a presentation to city council members.

The Convergence Project, a non-profit for community projects, partnered with Salida Business Alliance, Angel of Shavano Recycling, and Brewer Welding to bring the bins to downtown.

The group proposed placing four recycling receptacles in the downtown area, which would have containers for aluminum, plastic and glass containers. The bins would be approximately 4 ft wide, 4 ft tall and 3 ft deep. They would also possibly include the names of business sponsors or list of local events on the outside surfaces.

“We have three requests,” Oyler said during Monday’s meeting. “Approve the bin placement, waiver of the sign code ordinance and a city commitment to pickup the receptacles.”

Presenters said the added cost to the city would be minimal to have public works employees empty the receptacles.

The team’s connection with Brewer welding would be able to produce the bins at an estimated cost of $300 per bin, comparable to a retail price of $1,000 per unit.

In a letter to the council members Oyler said a number of SBA members have pledged $1,200 to pay for the bins, agreeing to a $100 fee to have their name printed on the bins.

The four bins are only phase one of the proposed project. Oyler said they would like to expand to possible bin placement in Alpine Park and on US 50.

Council members said Monday they support the project but would rather the group meet with city staff members to discuss the project feasibility before returning to council.

Barry scheduled meeting with Public Works Director Rob Vance Tuesday to discuss the feasibility of public works employees emptying the proposed receptacles. If city staff members approve of the project, it will again come before council members.