We all know what a recycling bin is. You put it out on your curb next to your trash can.
But one Michiana Company doesn't use bins they use yellow disposable bags. And those disposable bags are disappearing.
The owner of Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services said thieves are snatching up people's recycling right from their yard. He believes the thieves are doing it to turn in the aluminum for cash. And it means that Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services and its employees are left with less cash of their own.
You've heard the saying, one person's trash is another person's treasure. Right now that's definitely the case when it comes to yellow recycle bags used by Michiana Recycling and Disposal Service Customers. People are making off with the bags before Michiana recycling can. Owner Henry Valkema says customers have called him saying they've seen, "a pick up truck pull up by our garbage container. They grabbed the yellow bag and took off down the road and there's a whole bunch of yellow bags in the back of his truck."
Gerry Binfet/Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services Customer, Gary Binfet, said, "I think it's sad that people have had to lower themselves to those standards." And if you're thinking it's only trash so what's the big deal? Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services employees will tell that trash pays their bills. Employee Bradley Rock said, "it takes jobs away from our people and it takes money away from us."
The company sells their recyclable materials to a mill. The less they have coming into their facility to sell, the less money they make. And the recycling thieves aren't just stealing from the company's bottom line, they're stealing from employees paychecks. "Our bonus program is based off how much recycle versus how much comes in," said Rock.
The company is trying to prevent the thefts by telling customers to put their yellow recycle bags inside their trash cans. That way thieves don't see them. Also, if you do notice anyone stealing the bags get the license plate number from their vehicle.
