AMERICORPS RECYCLING PROGRAM HELD AT SC

SCOTT CITY -- It looked more like two piles of trash than objects used in a relay race.

But the objects weren't trash; they were reminders about the importance of recycling.

About 40 children attended and competed in the Recycling Olympics. AmeriCorps volunteers presented the recycling program at the Scott City Riverside Regional Library Wednesday.

Glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers were sorted into four different recycling containers during the race.

The games show how easy it is to recycle, said Cindy Lange, a member of the AmeriCorps Environmental Impact Team.

"I think they don't think about recycling because there's no place to take it," she said. Many rural areas don't have recycling bins, she explained.

Missouri citizens throw away 16,000 tons of trash every day. About 7 percent of the trash is recycled, according to statistics from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

However, Scott City has applied for a Department of Natural Resources grant to begin a curbside residential recycling program.

Some of the children said they already recycle cans and paper at home.

Hannah Robert, 10, said there were three recycling bins this year at her school in Kelso. Her family also recycles paper and aluminum cans.

"I think it's great that they are doing this," Librarian Glenda Kenkel said. "It helps get them interested in reading and finding out more through reading."

For more information about other summer programs at the library, call 264-2413.

A paper drive, sponsored by the Girl Scouts, will be held July 15 at the Scott City Plaza.