NORTHEAST KINGDOM- November 15^th is the one day of the year dedicated to promote recycling around the United States. Executive Director Paul Tomasi of Northeast Kingdom Waste believes this is an important effort.

The effort started on November 15^th, 1997, when communities across the country came together to celebrate America Recycles Day.

Why is recycling so important? When communities recycle, they keep valuable materials that can be re-used out of landfills and dumps. The Northeast Kingdom Waste accepts a wide range of materials including tin, aluminum, plastic, and different grades of paper.

Even though so many different types of materials are recyclable and local waste management is accepting them, there are always people who choose not to recycle.

"I think a lot of people don't recycle because they feel that it's complicated. But it's really not that difficult. If you have one family member that takes charge of it, it can be done fairly easily... you just need to make the commitment," Tomasi explained.

The Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District has also started a new program to recycle alkaline batteries. They are currently testing out three sites in Ryegate, Lunenburg, and Westfield. If those programs prove successful, they will be expanded to other towns within the district.

With all these ways to recycle, those who work at recycling facilities believe there's no excuse not to.

"It's just a good thing to do, and it's easy to do. Anybody can do it from any age up," they explained.

For more information on where you can recycle, and what you can and cannot bring, visit the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management's website.