Recycling at the Summer Arts Festival

This past weekend was the 41st annual Summer Arts Fesival at the Umpqua Valley Arts Association located on Harvard Ave in Roseburg. Scores of artists, musician, and vendors showed their wares and talents. My family and I enjoyed the fun, family friendly atmosphere.

The event, held annually on the last weekend of each June compliments and showcases the great culture in Douglas County. I have lived in Douglas County off and on for 12 years, but this was the first time my family was in town and we thoroughly enjoyed the day.

I have been involved with the festival for the past 4 years continuing a partnership between the Arts Center and Douglas County Public Works. This public/private partnership is a great example of what can be accomplished for multiple organizations and the public in general. Public Works provided its supply of recycling equipment for the event and a portable recycle depot for Association volunteers to use throughout the weekend.

Volunteers collected glass, plastic, metal, and cardboard all weekend. Public Works staff then transported the recyclables to our primary recycling partner, Sunrise Enterprises in Green. Approximately 6 cubic yards of cardboard was recycled from the vendors and food booths. over 3 cubic yards of plastics were collected by volunteers for recycling. This was primarily in the form of water bottles. Over 100 pounds of glass was collected in the form of wine bottles. This is a great measure of success for the partnership.

My hat is off to the Summer Arts Festival Planning Committee for involving elements of sustainability, like recycling, in their program and for providing the volunteer staff to make it happen!

For more information about recycling in Douglas County, visit us online at http://www.recyclepower.org/ and don't forget to reduce, reuse, and recycle to "Trash Douglas County Less!"

5 year old Jackson McCullough poses after recycling his bottle at the 2009 Umpqua Valley Summer Arts Festival.