The best source for information on recyclable products is your garbage collection service. They will be able to provide you with schedules, containers and procedures to follow.

Another source for recycling information is the Grand Island Area Clean Community System, 205 N. Wheeler; phone, 385-5095. Director Betty Curtis can provide callers with basic tips to follow.

Unfortunately, Curtis reported that because some people insisted on using containers at local recycling drop-off sites for regular garbage, the community was forced to close these sites.

Just about anything can be collected for recycling in the Grand Island area. One item that is no longer collected, however, are plastic soda bottles. For a precise list of recyclable materials, check with your waste collection service.

Residents intent on recycling simply must familiarize themselves with the organizations that take the items and the correct procedures for preparing them for pickup. Clean Community Systems can refer people to the correct locations.

All major garbage collection organizations in Grand Island offer free curbside collection of recyclable materials for their customers.

According to representatives from each business, they provide collection containers for their customers to deposit recyclable items. The items do not need to be separated; i.e., glass in one container, plastic in another, etc. When the bins are picked up, employees sort the items using a special truck.

For specific collection times or other recycling information, contact your garbage collection company. For curbside recycling, items are collected once a week.

For more information on recycling and other environmental issues concerning waste disposal, check out the Web site at www.cleancommunity.org.