Courier-Leader photo/Paul Garrod
The Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD), along with its partners at Hamilton and Decatur townships, and the Village of Decatur jointly announced that on Sat-urday April 26, the Decatur Area Waste and Recycling Center, 300 West Beers St., Decatur, officially opened to the public for year-round access to bulk trash disposal and recycling drop-off.
Through partnership, the VBCD and the municipalities worked together to make this dream a reality. The communities now have local access to much-needed services without having to travel far. Through the dedication of the community, a lasting impact has been provided. Now, services once unavailable locally will be accessible and convenient.
With this initiative, the partners look forward to a cleaner community. Not only is it providing a service for the people with the project, but it is also doing a service for the land and water. Items such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and even tires can be recycled and unsightly items like destroyed furniture can be taken care of properly rather than dumped into ditches and waterways.
The partners expressed thanks to the many individuals who made this possible: municipal partners, county commissioners, and grant providers for their hard work, funding, and support. Without this partnership, the project would not have been possible. The Van Buren Conservation District is proud to have been able to help the community by apply-ing and managing the grant and assisting the community through the project.
The partners’ efforts have created a true center – complete with a new entrance, signage, easy access, and permanent structures.
The Decatur Area Waste and Recycling Center is open to the public, Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as well as Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recycling drop-off is free to residents of Hamilton and Decatur townships, and the Village of Decatur.
A fee schedule can be found at the station or at the municipal halls. Fees can be paid with credit/debit card on site or visit the Decatur Village Hall to pay with cash.
Funding for this project was made possible through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Recycling Infrastructure Grant and The Recycling Partnership.
Matching funds were provided by the municipal partners and the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners.
For more information, visit the Village of Decatur’s website (www.decaturmi.org) or call (269) 423-4621. For recycling questions and more, contact VBCD Recycling Coordinator Kalli
Marshall by emailing ResourceRecovery@VanBurenCD.org or by calling (269) 633-9314.
