Discarded paper, cardboard to help local food pantries

STEUBENVILLE -- Area residents can help several local food pantries to feed those in need by leaving their old papers and cardboard in recycling bins placed in the lot behind the WesBanco branch near the Fort Steuben Mall through Nov. 16.

The JB Green Team is behind the collection, which is being done in conjunction with America Recycles Day, in partnership with the Fort Steuben Mall and Valley Converting, a paper recycling company in Toronto.

"All proceeds from the paper will be donated to food pantries in Jefferson County. We know people are working hard to make ends meet, and JB Green Team wants to help do their part by stocking the shelves in the area pantries," said Louise Holliday, environmental educator for the JB Green Team.

She noted materials left in the bins can include old newspapers and magazines, hardback and paperback books without plastic covers and unsoiled cardboard boxes and other papers.

Holliday said all of the materials should be placed loose in the bins or in paper bags or cardboard boxes, not plastic bags, and should not be soiled by food. She added the bins will be checked weekly and emptied accordingly.

She said since the campaign started in 2010, 178 tons of paper and cardboard have been collected.

She expressed appreciation to residents who have supported the effort.

Anita Petrella, executive director of the JB Green Team, said Jefferson County residents who missed the hazardous household waste collection held at the mall this summer will be able to participate in another planned for later this month.

To be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Ohio University Eastern campus at 45425 National Road, St. Clairsville, the event is open to residents of Jefferson and Belmont counties, who should bring proof of residency.

The collection is a drive-up event, with staff removing items from vehicles as directed by the drivers, who should remain inside.

The following will be accepted: Household cleaners, lawn, garden and pool chemicals; aerosols, roof and driveway sealers; mercury light bulbs; lead acid, NiCad, lithium, alkali and dry cell batteries; motor oil, antifreeze and other automotive fluids; paint and related products, including solvents, strippers, turpentine and varnishes; gasoline, kerosene, grill size or smaller propane cylinders; mercury; organic acids; fire extinguishers; pesticides; herbicides; insecticides; 4- and 8-foot light bulbs; crushed bulbs; and lighters.

The following won't be accepted: Commercial or business waste; PCBs; transformers; capacitors; compressed gases other than propane in small tanks; explosives; ammunition; computers; televisions and other appliances; tires; smoke detectors; medical/infectious waste; DEA controlled substances and radioactive wastes.

Cans, paper and other material accepted at the JB Green Team's recycling bins shouldn't be brought to the collection

For information, call (740) 266-6889.

America Recycles Day is a national program of Keep America Beautiful and is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the country.

Since its inception in 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on Nov. 15 to educate, promote environmental citizenship and encourage action.