Wyoming Conservation Corps Seeks Recycling Trailer Through Crowdfunding Support

Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC), located at the University of Wyoming, has started a crowdfunding project to purchase a glass recycling trailer.

The trailer is for the WCC’s annual transportation of recyclable glass from Laramie to the Loveland, Colo., Recycling Center, says Evan Townsend, WCC field supervisor.

He says the WCC’s annual glass recycling initiatives take place during a few weekends or special events in the spring. The program involves UW’s AmeriCorps crew leaders loading thousands of pounds of collected glass into small trailers, before traveling the 144-mile round trip to Loveland. Once at the recycling center, members then unload all of the glass themselves.

“The WCC’s existing trailers were never meant for such a task and have deteriorated quickly,” Townsend says. “We need a professional trailer that can provide a safe and sustainable service to the Laramie community.”

He says many Laramie residents save their glass for any chance that they might head down to Colorado to recycle.

“In the WCC's experience, by collecting glass in the spring, we get literally tons of glass from people all over the county who just can't bring themselves to throw glass away,” Townsend adds.

Last spring, WCC advertised the three days for recycled glass to be collected from the community, making nearly 25 trips to Loveland. Each trailer carried about 1,600-1,900 pounds of glass.

“Many of our trailers have suffered extensive damage because of this transportation service,” Townsend says. “The WCC's essential service of transporting glass prevents tons of glass from filling an already full Laramie landfill.”

To contribute to WCC’s crowdfunding project, visit the website at https://www.uwyo.edu/foundation/crowdfunding/?cfpage=project&project_id=13118

Founded in 2006, the WCC continues the civil service tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and Youth Conservation Corps of the 1970s. Nearly 325 students have completed more than 215 projects relating to energy, wildlife, recreation, grazing, timber management, property restoration and maintenance, and water and air quality.

For more information, contact Townsend at (307) 766-3048 or etownse2@uwyo.edu.