With some reducing, rethinking and revamping, recycling efforts are continuing in the Powell area.

Powell Valley Recycling has faced an uncertain future in recent months, following the retirement of its longtime manager and dwindling commodity prices.

“We’re pretty positive at this point that we can keep it going,” said Myron Heny, a Powell Valley Recycling board member, on Friday. “Hopefully someday the market improves.”

Dropping commodity prices have been an issue nationally, said Marynell Oechsner, a board member.

“It’s not just us,” she said Sunday. “There have been many recycling centers across the country that have closed their doors because the commodity prices are so low ... we’re doing our best to keep the doors open.”

In recent weeks, the board has made changes to Powell Valley Recycling’s operations and budget.

“I think we’re on the right track,” Heny said.

To help reduce costs, the board will not hire a new manager to replace Mary Jo Decker, who retired in November after serving in the position for 20 years.

“Eliminating the manager position is a substantial cost savings,” Oechsner said. “Our six volunteer board members have taken over the management of the recycling center.”

From arranging shipments to running the skid steer to bookkeeping, board members have stepped up to help with the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations.

Oechsner also commended the center’s part-time employees for their hard work, knowledge and dedication.

“We could not have done it without them,” she said. “It wasn’t just the board that kept the doors open. They were really instrumental and worked hard.”

She said the center’s employees believe in its mission.

“They believe in recycling the same way the board members do,” she said. “That’s what has made the difference.”

Seeking more financial support, volunteers

Powell Valley Recycling operated on a budget of $110,221 in fiscal year 2014-15, with a profit of only $841.

“We need to be in the black more than $841,” Oechsner said, adding that equipment breaks down and needs repaired.

City of Powell residents and businesses pay $2 toward the recycling center on their monthly utility bills, which generates about $4,900 to $5,400 per month, she said.

Oechsner plans to meet with Park County commissioners when they start on their budget. Park County provided $7,000 to Powell Valley Recycling last year. That nearly covers the cost of the monthly payment on the building, Oechsner said. Powell Valley Recycling still owes about $110,000 on the property.

The board is also reaching out to surrounding communities that regularly use the center, since a lot of recyclable materials come from outside the city of Powell.

“We’re looking for additional monthly financial support ... not necessarily Powell, since they’re already contributing,” she said.

Oechsner recently met with town leaders in Greybull and Lovell, and is planning to go to Basin, Meeteetse and Clark. She is meeting with the Big Horn County Commission this week.

“We do receive a lot of recycling from Big Horn County, too, and it would be helpful if the county would consider contributing to us,” she said.

In addition to possible financial support, Oechsner is talking to communities about what they can do to help keep Powell Valley Recycling open.

If everyone sorted recyclables and eliminated garbage before bringing materials into the center, it would be a huge help, she said.

“We have a list of items that we take — over and above that, we get a lot of other stuff that takes time for us to deal with, and then we have to pay to get rid of the garbage,” she said.

The board also is seeking volunteers from Powell and surrounding communities to help with sorting recyclables.

“We spend a lot of time sorting,” Oechsner said. “While it’s labor intensive to sort, we get a higher price for our commodity if it’s sorted.”

Powell City Councilman Floyd Young, a city liaison on the board, is setting up a schedule for volunteers. He said volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and all help is appreciated, even if it’s only for an hour. To volunteer, contact Young at 307-202-1784.

The board also needs two more representatives, and Oechsner said it would be beneficial to have representation from another community outside of Powell.

The board is planning to hire a part-time skid steer operator.

The center continues to operate under new hours of Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, which seems to be going well, Heny said.

Another change is that the center stopped paying for aluminum.

“We’re still collecting aluminum, but we’re no longer paying for aluminum, because aluminum prices are so low,” Oechsner said.

Oechsner said the center still receives calls about whether they’re open and what materials they accept.

Last month, rumors of the center’s closure circulated after a board member said it was shutting down. The board has done damage control in Powell and surrounding communities since then, Oechsner said.

“We’ve been committed all along to keep the doors open,” she said.