Dilyard ramps up recycling effort at Care Center

Wayne County Care Center cook Tom Dilyard is passionate about recycling. He has been involved with the recycling effort during the Wayne County Fair for more than a decade, and a recent tour of the Kimble Recycling Center in Twinsburg sparked an idea.

“I decided to start a recycling program here at the care center,” Dilyard said. “We were already recycling cardboard here, but since Kimble sorts recyclables, I asked if they would want to take other stuff, and they said they wanted everything we have to recycle.”

One of the most significant benefits of recycling is its positive environmental impact. By diverting waste from landfills and incinerators, recycling helps to conserve natural resources such as timber, water and minerals.

“In two days we can have 15 two-gallon cans to dispose of,” Dilyard said. “That adds up, and now it isn’t going to the landfill.”

Beyond its environmental benefits, recycling also holds economic potential. The recycling industry has become an economic driver, creating jobs and contributing to local economies. Recycling facilities and sorting centers require a skilled workforce to collect, sort and process recyclable materials. Additionally, the demand for recycled materials stimulates the growth of industries involved in remanufacturing, packaging and other related sectors.

“People don’t realize how many jobs recycling creates,” Dilyard said. “Plus, it keeps trash off the road and other places.”

Dilyard hopes other care facilities in Wayne County will follow his lead.

“It doesn’t take a lot of time,” he said. “Once it is put in place, it is easy. I take everything to a central spot, and (Kimble) comes and picks everything up. I have worked at several care facilities and know how much waste can be recycled.”

Recycling is a simple yet effective way to limit the environmental impact of waste. However, many people are still unaware of the importance of recycling or how to dispose of it correctly. Kelly Riley, an educator for the Wayne County Soil and Water District, wants to ensure recycling becomes a generational activity.

“If we can teach the next generation about the importance of recycling, they will pass that knowledge down to their children and begin the cycle. Plus, young kids put pressure on their parents to recycle if they don’t already,” Riley said. “The importance of education about recycling and the environment cannot be overstated.”

For more information about recycling, visit https://rebrand.ly/7c0596z.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.