Sebewaing Couple hopes to hand over recycling program duties

By Traci L. Weisenbach Huron Daily Tribune SEBEWAING, Mich. (AP) -- For the past five to six years, Garrett and Myrtle Jackson led the recycling effort in the village of Sebewaing. They've taken in residents' reusable trash items once a month in the Thumb-area community and filled up a trailer to take to another recycling center in Caro. For them, recycling is a priority. Now, they're hoping to recycle the program itself -- and find someone to take it over and continue the effort. "We believe in recycling -- we enjoy doing it," Myrtle Jackson told the Huron Daily Tribune. "Keeping (the items) out of the landfills is the big thing." The couple recently discussed with village council members ideas on how to find someone to operate the recycling program, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month at the DPW garage. Myrtle Jackson said an average of about 50 to 60 residents per month bring their recyclable materials to be sorted and placed in the trailer. Paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and aluminum are among the items that get recycled, she said. Village officials said Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools Superintendent George Rierson is attempting to find a student group that's willing to take over the monthly recycling program. Three or four students and one adult could handle the sorting and other duties. The Jacksons said there will be a learning curve involved in taking over the program, but are happy to help. Huron County Commissioner John Horny said he will meet with Rierson and talk with students about the importance of the local recycling program. He also would like to get Thumb Industries, Inc. involved because the organization already recycles. One or two people help the Jacksons each month, but finding someone to take over the program hasn't been easy. "No one has stepped forward to commit themselves one month at a time," Myrtle Jackson said. "But we're not getting any younger either." Myrtle is 72 and Garrett is 75. Until someone steps up, the Jacksons will continue to do it. "It's been good and I hope it will keep going," Myrtle Jackson said. "It's been our baby. We will hang in there. Published: Tue, Dec 27, 2011