MIDDLESBORO — Bell County makes as much trash as any other county with a population of 30,000, yet Bell Countians barely recycle a thing. That could be because there is no recycling center in the county that will take glass, paper and plastics.

In the nineties, Hilltop Recyclers took glass, paper and plastics from businesses in the county as well as from individuals. Hilltop was located in the Middlesboro industrial park on 23rd Street. Carlson Robinette, Hilltop’s owner, says that it was a struggle to stay in the neighborhood, “A lot of politics [affected us]. We did a lot of work with Duraline. Cumberland Gap Provisions came through with some politicians saying, ‘Look what a junked up place that is,’ and eventually we quit everything.”

In spite of his unfortunate experience in Middlesboro, Robinette continues to service certain local businesses, making the trip from Maynardville, Tenn., to Middlesboro at least once a week, picking up recyclable materials.

However, not all of the trash (including recyclable materials) generated in the county sits in a landfill; it also lines the highways in the form of dumps and litter. Bell County Division of Solid Waste Coordinator Joyce Hoskins says that there are currently 27 garbage dumps in the county, five of which are being picked up as a result of the Division of Solid Waste’s efforts.

“There is no call for that,” says Division of Solid Waste Officer Dewey Brock. He went on to explain that they pick up appliances and furniture, completely free of charge.

Brock also warns that it is a felony to burn or dump garbage. In fact, it is law that residents pay for garbage collectors to take their trash every week. According to Hoskins, only 11,185 households participate, accounting for 93 percent of the county.

As for recycling, Bell County Division of Solid Waste is not equipped to be a complete recycling center, although they make every possible effort, recycling metals and used oil. Roy’s Recycling on U.S. Hwy. 25E is rumored to accept metal, batteries and radiators.

“To be honest, we don’t have a market for a complete center,” Brock said, “You just can’t get people to do it.”

Bell Countians Kenny and Kate Marcum say that would recycle if they had the option. In fact, they routinely separate their trash and seek ways of being more responsible for their environment. Many Bell Countians recycle aluminum cans.

Robinette cited the statistic that 51 percent of what makes up landfills is recyclable paper products. “If you recycle, very little goes into the trash,” Robinette said.

Now observed in 175 countries, Earth Day is the largest secular modern-day holiday in the world, according to the online resource, wikipedia. This Sunday, April 22, is the 37th annual Earth Day. Earth Day is known as a time to celebrate environmental progress and to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Brandy L. Murray is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at bmurray@middlesborodailynews.com.