(Pottawattamie Co) After five years of operation, the Pottawattamie County Rural Recycling Center continues to serve residents throughout the County, with goals to create even more avenues for local participation.
In 2018, the Pottawattamie County Rural Recycling Center was constructed in Oakland. The effort was made possible with support from the Iowa West Foundation and with the guidance of the Pottawattamie County Recycling Taskforce. The overarching objective of the facility is to encourage participation in recycling, minimize waste to conserve energy, recover resources, and protect the environment. Prior to operations moving to the current location, rural recycling was managed out of a small and aging building near Hancock. The move to the new facility, located off Industrial Drive in Oakland, has allowed easier access for residents, and expanded recycling services.
Total weight of recyclable goods processed by the Pottawattamie County Rural Recycling Center has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2020, the total weight processed was 1,670,208 pounds. Totals increased to 1,876,030 pounds in 2021 and reached 2,444,914 pounds in 2022. Part of the continued growth is attributed to the expansion of accessible avenues for locals to participate. PCRRC currently offers portable recycling trailers, strategically placed throughout the County. Trailers are currently placed at several County parks, and inside the towns of Treynor, Carson, Macedonia, Oakland, Hancock, Walnut, McClelland, and Crescent. The exploration of providing more avenues to promote convenient participation in recycling will continue to be a focus for department officials.
Another way PCRRC has worked to reduce waste is through dedicating space at the facility for its “Swap Shop.” Unwanted items in usable condition are placed in a manner resembling a thrift store. From furniture to electronics, there’s a wide array of offerings. Residents can donate items or browse the selection on-hand, taking home what they’d like.
The Pottawattamie County Rural Recycling Center is located at 41911 Industrial Drive, in Oakland. The operation is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
