The editorial about recycling at Frederiksen Court printed in the Iowa State Daily on October 18 was chocked full [sic] of untrue statements.

For one, you claim that the Ames Resource Recovery Plant recycles paper, plastic, metal, and glass items. The Web site for the Recovery Plant, operated by the Ames city government, clearly states that of these materials, only ferrous metals, which can be easily separated from the other trash with powerful magnets, are removed and recycled.

Plastics and paper are burned by the plant to produce electricity, a process that destroys these resources and demands that additional trees be cut and plastic made to replace them. Glass, which cannot be burned to produce electricity, is removed before the rest of the garbage is burned and, instead of being recycled, is placed in a landfill.

Secondly, you implied that the Frederiksen Court Community Council has opted to end the debate over recycling and cancel the program permanently. In fact, the council has expressed an interest in reinstating a permanent recycling program for Frederiksen Court at their last two public meetings. A group of concerned residents is currently in the process of working with the council to look at options to bring the recycling program back.

As you correctly stated, the cost of installation and operation for the first year of a Frederiksen Court recycling plan would be about $4,500, but with more than 1,800 residents this is less than $3 per person. Continuing the program for subsequent years would cost less than $1.50 per resident after the fence and cement pad were in place.

Another correct statement you made is that protecting the environment is important. I for one feel it is worth more than three bucks.

Seth Bartel

Senior

Physics and Mathematics