That is what recycling rep Bill Crane said in reference to the growing environmental movement in Montana. In small towns it is a challenge to recycle, but most people want to do it, they just want it to be convenient.

How do you encourage people in small towns to recycle material, if there is no viable way to handle it, once gathered? This is the question many small towns are starting to ask and deal with. And i think this is progress, as at the very least the conversation is starting to flow.

In Montana two bills are on the table to encourage more community recycling. One would provide tax incentives to businesses to accept and use recycled materials, another bill is hoping to provide loans of up to $50,000 for various recycling equipment.

Elementary schools in Montana are also in on the effort by creating and fostering programs where students are encouraged to recycle. Students are benefiting by learning the value in conserving resources. Not too mention teachers give the students recycled goodies as an added reward. Pencils made from recycled newspaper, packs made from recycled juice drinks, etc.

But what about other small towns in other cities and states. What is being done and how are they meeting the challenge. Below are some questions every small town needs to ask to get going.

Small town community recycling brings about questions like:

Who is going to pick up our recyclables?

Who is going to pay for the pick up of our recyclables?

Where does it go?

Is there enough profit in recycling for small towns to enable it?

How can small towns get citizens involved?

What incentives can be created and or provided to get enough people in on the action?

Which items should be picked up? Focusing on only a few is best when first starting a recycling program.

How will the good word be spread to local community? Who will pay for this message?

As you can see it is no small task to create, run, and promote a local community recycling effort. It takes people, money, time, space, and more.

But it can be done. Just ask Montana, they are working on it as we speak. (well as i write)