The Porter County Master Recycler Program has added a new feature to its already full spring schedule; a tour of Pratt Industries paper mill and corrugated recycling plant.
“We are so excited Pratt has offered to give Master Recycler class number five students a tour of their plants here in Valparaiso,” Donna Stuckert, program coordinator, said. “It helps students to see what happens to paper and corrugated once waste haulers take it from their curbs. Tours are really essential to this program.”
“Pratt Industries prides itself in supplying 100% recycled corrugated applications,” said Carla Heminger, waste champion at Pratt Industries. “Demonstrating our process will illustrate the entire spectrum of recycling to the Master Recyclers. We are excited to participate in this program.”
The spring Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County, is planned on Wednesday afternoons Feb. 24 through April 20, at the Porter County Government Administration Center, 155 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. Class time is 1-4 p.m. with time adjustments on March 9 and April 6 for tours.
The class is available to anyone who lives or works in Porter County. The online application and program syllabus are available on the District’s website, www.ItMeansTheWorld.org.
Participants will hear guest speakers talk about why some materials are recyclable at the curb and others are not; backyard composting; vermicomposting; household hazardous waste and more.
“The class is great for anyone who wants to learn more about reducing their impact on the environment and meet others who have similar interests,” Stuckert said.
In addition to Pratt Industries, tours include Homewood Disposal, Newton County landfill, Metro Recycling, and the compost site in Valparaiso.
The cost of the spring session is $30. Students of this multi-week class must fulfill 30 volunteer hours to become certified Master Recyclers. Volunteer hours can consist of educating others on recycling and waste reduction or helping to create recycling programs.
For more information, visit www.ItMeansTheWorld.org or call 465-3819.