The Bethel ONC Tribe is changing its rules on recycling. Residents can no longer just drop off recycling at its office building. Now, they have to call ahead.
ONC Environmental Coordinator Cynthia Allen says that they made the change after a Bethel resident dropped off recycling that included an aluminum can full of needles. Residents have also mixed trash with recycling items.
“That’s bioharzard; that’s hazardous for us," Allen said. "If we see things that isn’t up to our standards, we have to go through the whole bag.”
ONC only accepts plastic water bottles and clean aluminum cans. Allen says that the tribal governing body will still work with local businesses, schools, and other organizations on their recycling needs. And, she says, they will pick up recycling from "trusted" residents they’ve worked with in the past.
For more information, residents can call Allen at 907-543-2608 or visit ONC's office.