The coordinator of the Uintah School District’s ‘Community Employment Placement Program’, the group responsible for operating the local recycling program, has some strong words for community members that choose to improperly use the recycling bins. The large bins used for the program are clearly marked to show that only paper, cardboard, and aluminum cans are accepted, yet program coordinator Sarah Chandler says the bins have become a dumping ground where her clients, who are youth and adults with disabilities, come across dirty diapers, rotting food, soiled toilet paper, and worse. “Our clients have some disabilities,” says Chandler. “Not all of them understand what’s safe or isn’t safe and I don’t want them getting hurt or sick if they find this stuff. They may have some disabilities, but they’re human beings,” she continues. “They aren’t trash pickers. They shouldn’t have to handle this stuff. It’s dangerous.” The community is asked to protect the crew members from potential harm and abide by the clear instructions posted on the recycling bins.
