At first we accepted only recyclables, hence our name: The: Kent Recycling Center. When we added a garbage truck to our mix, and started accepting household garbage in it, the DEC objected. They decreed that we had become a transfer station and thus needed the dread "360 permit". We argued that garbage trucks moving from door to door do not need a "360" . Why suddenly need one when they became temporarily stationary? The DEC finally solved their problem by inventing a special category for us: we are a rural transfer station and do not need the dreaded "360 permit".

However, they did make some reasonable regulations: We may not accept: asbestos, industrial waste, infectious waste, or construction and demolition debris. We must keep records of all we take in and how we dispose of it. These records are due March of each year.

The Town also laid some restrictions on us. They have decreed that we may no longer take motor oil or antifreeze. Check with me if you are in doubt about any item. If we can't take it, there is the County's household hazardous waste program; and, if that fails, there is always Royal Carting's transfer station. It has the 360 permit!

PARK HEAD ON!

Once in a while we have a traffic flow problem. We believe most of it would be eliminated if you were to park your vehicle with its head toward our new building or toward our summer palace.

DROP IN VOLUNTEERS:

More people are beginning to drop in and help out whenever they have time. That's good. You are a part of the team and are always welcome!

SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

The National Cancer Institute has recently reported on their $15 million education program. It was designed by the "best" social scientists, it involved special classes where children were instructed by trained teachers on how to resist tobacco use. It lasted from third grade on, but surveys indicated that 24% of the girls and 26% of the boys were smoking daily by the time they were in 12th grade. This is the same as our national average!

Perhaps no educational program will ever best the tobacco ad men. They have convinced us that bathing our lungs in smoke from burning leaves is both stimulating and relaxing… forget about your health and the health of those who live with you.

The Putnam County Board of Health is falling back on a far more effective technique. It's called: "teaching by example". Beginning January 1st the PCBOH will ban smoking in public places in Putnam. No doubt they will face court action and will need our support. We applaud their courage & their insight.
Jim Baker 225-7901