WATONGA – Until now, there has never been any option but to throw away materials like cardboard and plastic in Watonga, clogging up the landfill with bulky boxes, bottles and other recyclables.
But Watonga has now partnered with a program that will allow Watongans to recycle those materials – and earn some rewards for doing so, too.
Replenysh is a Californiabased company that is partnering with brands and hosts across the country to provide recycling options. Last week, the city council approved an arrangement with Replenysh to become a host and open a drop-off location here in town.
Starting Tuesday, Feb. 22, the city will operate a dropoff at 313 E. 2nd St. near the county courthouse. According to Replenysh, that dropoff will be open on Tuesdays from 7 to 10 a.m. and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.
The drop-off will accept cardboard, plastic #1 containers, plastic #2 containers, plastic #1 thermoforms, steel cans and aluminum cans.
Plastic #1 containers are made from PET, polyethylene terephthalate, and include standard water and soda bottles. Plastic #2 containers are made from HDPE, high-density polyethylene, used in sturdier containers like milk jugs.
Thermoforming is used in a variety of shaped plastic materials.
Community members who recycle with Replenysh can download the company’s app and use it to earn rewards from Replenysh brand partners. Watongans can download the app by visiting replenysh.app.link/download on their cellphones.
More information is available at join.replenysh.com/watongaok
Ṫhe City of Watonga will host a launch event for the Replenysh service on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 313 E. 2nd drop-off site.