Drop-off recycling containers in Rock Island County area have been hit hard by residents dumping non-recyclable materials. Unwanted yard waste, large kids toys, bags of garbage, and home repair debris have been tossed into the recycling bins. The six-year old program recycles roughly 200 tons per month of paper products and mixed materials, such as plastics, metal and glass.  Of this amount, there have been spikes of over 20% being residue or garbage.  Residue is landfilled and these costs paid by Rock Island County Waste Agency (RICWMA) at rates higher than the cost of recycling.  "Education is the key to cleaning up the drop-off recyclables problem" says Gena McCullough, RICWMA staff coordinator.

The drop-off program began in 2003 to reduce landfilling of recyclable products, promote recycling, encourage reuse and purchasing recycled content materials, and improve the quality of the environment in the Rock Island County. The communities of East Moline, Milan, Moline and Rock Island continue hosting regional drop-off recycling collection sites as part of the program sponsored by RICWMA, a consortium of local governments in Rock Island County.  The program has been an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation and cost effectiveness.

City Carton Recycling is contracted by RICWMA to process and recycle plastics, glass, metal and paper products including cardboard and box board.  RICWMA administers the program and pays the cost of recycling through its solid waste fee assessed at the landfills in Rock Island County. To retain a viable recycling program, clean, recyclable material is needed and highly valued.  With the downturn in the economy, marketing the best and cleanest recyclables helps retain jobs and allows the recycling industry to thrive.

The regional collection sites include :

• • East Moline - 901 42^nd Avenue at Fire Station and 1200 13^th Avenue at City Engineering and Maintenance Services Facility
  • Milan - 451 W. 4^th Street
  • Moline - 3635 4^th Avenue at Public Works Department
  • Rock Island - 16^th Avenue and 24^th Street at Water Treatment Plant

All residents living in Rock Island County can use any one of five regional drop-off recycling sites within Rock Island County.  Recyclable materials are collected from each site through a two-stream process.

Separate containers are provided for a mixture of washed and clean:

• • Plastics #1-7 (milk jugs, detergent, shampoo & liter bottles, food containers, etc.)
  • Tin cans and aluminum cans
  • Glass of green, brown and clear colors

Separate containers will be provided for a mixture of fiber, including:

• • Corrugated cardboard
  • Chipboard or boxboard
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Mixed office paper
  • Phonebooks/Textbooks
  • Brown paper bags

Unacceptable items or garbage include aerosol cans, any liquids, appliances, ashes, building materials or scraps, ceramic plates and cups, clothing, electronics, furniture, garbage, paint cans, plastic bags, styrofoam, tires, toys, windows and mirrors, and yard waste, such as leaves, grass clippings, sticks and brush.  A full description of what not to toss in the recycling is outlined in the 2008 Waste Resource Directory mailed to all residents in December or on the agency website.

The regional drop-off recycling program in Rock Island County and has helped reach the 25% reduction goal set by the State of Illinois.  The 2008 recycling rate is estimated at 30.9%.

For more information, Rock Island County residents can contact RICMWA at (309) 788-8925 or visit the website at www.ricwma.org.

ATLANTA, GA (06/18/2009) -- The following students received a degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., at its 164th commencement ceremony on May 11, 2009:

Kimberly Quinn of Bettendorf, daughter of Dennis P Quinn and Lynn A Quinn of Bettendorf  received a Bachelor of Arts from Emory College of Emory University.

Katherine Karll of Bettendorf, daughter of Robert D.S. Karll and Pamela Karll of Bettendorf, received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Goizueta Business School of Emory University.

Philip Zimmerman of Davenport received a Master of Medical Science from the School of Medicine of Emory University.

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WILTON, Iowa--Wilton community leaders and friends of the library celebrated and expressed appreciation to supporters at a ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Wilton Library and Community Center on Friday, June 12th. Major contributors, fundraising campaign executive committee members, government officials and building contractors participated in the groundbreaking ceremony held at Wilton High School and the building's construction site.

"This is a big day for our community and the entire area," said Betty Cram, president of the Wilton Library Board of Trustees. "The library and community center will benefit everyone in Wilton. We wouldn't be here today without tremendous support from our donors and volunteers."

More than $3.1 million has been pledged to the $3.25 million Wilton Library and Community Center campaign goal. Funding has come from a variety of sources including a Community and Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the state's Vision Iowa Board and numerous area businesses, community organizations and residents.

Representatives from several donor groups spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, Community Bank, HNI Corporation, Muscatine Community College, Gerdau Ameristeel and Wilton Candy Kitchen.

"This event signifies that the spirit of Wilton is alive and well," said Wilton Mayor Carol Wade. "We are celebrating more than just the start of a building project, we are celebrating commitment and cooperation in our community. We are celebrating our future."

Built on land donated by the city at the intersection of Cypress and Division Streets, the proposed 20,000 square-foot building will benefit schools, families, senior citizens, nonprofit groups and businesses. Plans for the joint facility include spaces in the library to gather, browse, read, study and use computers while the community center provides space for civic gatherings, commercial meetings, receptions, reunions, fine arts performances, displays, banquets and fitness activities.

The current library building was erected in 1938 and has been serving the community from its present location for more than 26 years. The small library is hot and humid in the summer, cold in the winter and lacks much-needed meeting space for activities like 4-H meetings, Boy and Girl Scouts and children's story hour. The new library will increase the amount of space and allow the library to expand programming opportunities to better prepare local youth citizens for global participation.

To make a contribution, call 563-732-2583 or download a pledge form at www.WiltonLCC.org.

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Two students have been chosen to receive the first annual scholarships from the Moline High School Class of '59 Scholarship Fund as administered through The Moline Foundation.

Casandra Goodpaster is a recent 2009 graduate of Moline High School. She will be attending DePaul University in Chicago, IL in the fall to major in Journalism and Theater Studies.

Austin Boyle is also a recent 2009 graduate of Moline High School. This fall he will attend Augustana College in Rock Island IL, to major in business.

The two Moline High School Class of '59 Scholarship winners were chosen by a Selection Advisory Committee to each receive a $1,000.00 scholarship. The fund was established by the Class of '59 as a way to commemorate their fiftieth class reunion this year. This high school class was also the first class to graduate from the Moline High School building located at 3600 23rd Avenue. It is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

Funds were raised by class members and volunteers over the past three years through a variety of fundraisers including barbeques, yard sales, and individual donations.

Founded in 1953, The Moline Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization which provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts, and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of the Quad City region. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts. For more information contact Executive Director Joy Boruff at (309) 736-3800 or visit The Moline Foundation Web site at www.molinefoundation.org.

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