Recycling programs transition to counties

The Spectrum Network handed off recycling services to Winneshiek County as of April 1, and to a private company in Howard County starting May 1.

Spectrum was in the recycling business for more than a decade, until the global economic downturn led to a drop in the market for recyclable goods across the U.S. For Spectrum, recyclable prices declined by as much as 76 percent, year-over-year, in December 2008.

"We could not sustain continued losses," said Toni Smith, executive director. Smith indicated that Spectrum has been involved in many different businesses over the years. "This is just a shift. What is not shifting is the service that we provide to people with disabilities," she said.

Smith added that training opportunities for clients within the recycling program have tapered off in recent years. "Throughout our history, we have changed our business enterprises to meet client needs, and market needs. We will be expanding our technology training for clients in the near future. This is a positive change for our clients and our organization."