Way back in 2013 or so, we began a partnership with River Valley Paper to offer paper and cardboard recycling to our community. It was a great decision. We were able to help divert paper and cardboard from the landfill and we earned money for our hunger ministry. Overtime, we grew from one bin, to two — and eventually four. Together, we have diverted tons and tons and TONS of waste from the landfill, saving trees, energy and water — and we helped more people better care for God’s creation.

But, things change. More people in our communities have options for paper recycling curbside. The owner of River Valley Paper retired and sold the company. With big changes to the recycled paper market, our bins overflowed more days than not and we started to contribute to the local litter instead of preventing it! And, as our congregation grows, we are finding the need to free up the parking spaces occupied by the bins.

The BUMC Green Team investigated other options and made the call to remove the bins. They will continue to educate us on all of the ways we can recycle right, including by recycling our bulletins on Sunday mornings. While the bins will be removed from our parking lot, we will not remove the paper recycling receptacles inside the building — and we encourage you to continue to care for God’s creation by recycling your paper curbside, or by visiting Cuyahoga Recycles to learn more about drop off locations for paper and cardboard in Cuyahoga County.

And while you’re there, check out their resources for all of the ways you can recycle right!