Bridges starts recycling business

By Gracie Hart
Review Staff Writer

Published: October 2, 2008

Four members of the adult program Bridges have created a local recycling business.
According to Bridges Employment Training Specialist Rachel Reno, Bridges is a day house program for mentally disabled adults.  It has been active in Orange for about 10 years.  As part of the program, Reno finds the 59 members jobs if possible, so that they can make a little money.
“Four of them have started a recycling business,“ she said.  “In this case, we made a job for them because they wanted to start a business.“
Donald Turner, Daniel Greene, Michael Dunn and Wanda Smith have contacted businesses seeking permission to place aluminum can recycling containers within each business.  They then stop by, usually on Thursday, and empty the containers.  Once a month, when they have enough to fill the van, they load the cans up on the van and take them to Wise Recycling Center in Culpeper.
“Last week, they got 44 cents a pound for the cans,“ said Reno.  “It fluctuates though and they are only working one day a week on it so it’ll be profitable.“
So far, 14 businesses have become involved with the recycling program.
“The guys are really getting to run it,“ said Reno.  “They are really getting into it.“
They are also going to hold a 50/50 raffle and two bake sales in the future.  Plus, there is always the possibility of expansion.
“If it got enormous, we would move it more days,“ said Reno.  “Once we figure out how much we make, we can add more businesses.“
The new business owners seem to enjoy their business.
“We’ll continue doing it,“ said Greene.  “I really like working on a team.“
For more information or to get a business involved, contact .