As 2010 approaches in six weeks, it's fair to say that in Park County, it will be the “Year of the Garbage.”Mayor Scott Mangold informally christened 2010 as such during a recent work session with Powell Valley Recycling representatives. The nickname is a fitting one — in the next year, three Park County landfills face partial closure, a local movement will push for a trash tax and recycling leaders will seek to expand the Powell Valley Recycling Center into a regional hub. Many recyclables from around the region already are destined for Powell Valley Recycling Center rather than landfills. On a regular basis, the local nonprofit processes materials hauled from Clark, Basin, Meeteetse, Lovell and other communities in the Big Horn Basin.Though Powell Valley Recycling already operates successfully on a regional basis, residents in the city of Powell are largely responsible for supplying its funding stream.Last year, Powell citizens contributed around $50,000 to the center, money that helps keep the recycling center's doors open.While the Park County Commission has provided financial support for Powell Valley Recycling's planned move to the county's Powell road and bridge shop, regional funding for the center's daily operations will be necessary.In the upcoming “Year of the Garbage,” residents beyond Powell need to help fund regional recycling — it's a step that will keep the center viable and also prevent recyclable material from becoming trash in the landfill.

As 2010 approaches in six weeks, it's fair to say that in Park County, it will be the “Year of the Garbage.”

Mayor Scott Mangold informally christened 2010 as such during a recent work session with Powell Valley Recycling representatives. The nickname is a fitting one — in the next year, three Park County landfills face partial closure, a local movement will push for a trash tax and recycling leaders will seek to expand the Powell Valley Recycling Center into a regional hub.

Many recyclables from around the region already are destined for Powell Valley Recycling Center rather than landfills. On a regular basis, the local nonprofit processes materials hauled from Clark, Basin, Meeteetse, Lovell and other communities in the Big Horn Basin.

Though Powell Valley Recycling already operates successfully on a regional basis, residents in the city of Powell are largely responsible for supplying its funding stream.

Last year, Powell citizens contributed around $50,000 to the center, money that helps keep the recycling center's doors open.

While the Park County Commission has provided financial support for Powell Valley Recycling's planned move to the county's Powell road and bridge shop, regional funding for the center's daily operations will be necessary.

In the upcoming “Year of the Garbage,” residents beyond Powell need to help fund regional recycling — it's a step that will keep the center viable and also prevent recyclable material from becoming trash in the landfill.