By Danielle Strenke

Recyling may not the first business venture that many people would think to embark upon ñ especially if they are looking to get rich quick.

It wasnít the draw of profit that brought Dick and Jenny Johnson into the recycling business.

When long-time Harris farmer Dick read a newspaper advertisement for bids from Chisago County asking for recyclers, he decided to apply.
While Dick maintains the farmís crops Jenny also works at a job in the Twin Cities ñ keeping the couple very busy.

Recycling For Wildlife (RFW) opened last April and contracts with Chisago County to offer low-cost appliance and tire recycling for residents. RFW has the only contract with the county for recycling electronics.

The county accepts a portion of the costs to recycle these items while a discounted fee is passed on to the resident.

Appliances like refrigerators and freezers cost customers $8 to drop off. Tires range from $3 for auto tires to $37 for tractor tires.

Customers can also dispose of old computer monitors and other parts for $2 to $3 each, televisions for $5 to $10 and several other electronic items like DVD players, telephones, copiers and fax machines.

Recycling For Wildlife also accepts scrap metal and aluminum. The business got its name when the Johnsons decided to donate money to the Audubon Society from proceeds collected from aluminum that is dropped off for recycling.

ìWeíre avid fishermen and hunters, so itís something we wanted to do,î Jenny said. She said they hope to expand to be able to donate to other wildlife organizations in the future.

Both Johnsons said business has been brisk in the first year.

Customers bring in all types of items, some look nearly new. ìWe always ask if it works or not,î Jenny said. If itís a working item, Jenny and Dick work with local organizations to find someone in need who can use it.

There have been times where other customers want an item discarded by someone else.

ìWe had one guy who didnít even have a chance to unload his item before another customer saw it and wanted it,î Jenny said.

Recycling For Wildlife also has non-recyclable items brought in from customers who are unsure whether those items can be recycled.

ìWe also have customers coming in with items that were ëdonatedí to their own yards during the night,î Jenny said.

Odd items like obscure kitchen appliances are a common offering from customers. RFW has had larger items such as stock tanks and old diesel storage tanks brought in as well.

Dick and Jenny have learned how to get customers in and out of the recycling center quickly, even when they are busy.

ìWeíve never had a line, thereís plenty of parking space here,î Jenny said.

Customers can unload their items themselves or Dick and Jenny will transfer the items for them.

Appliances and tires are picked up on a regular basis by recycling companies contracting with Recycling For Wildlife.

Wisconsinís 5R picks up the electronics. ìThey take them apart and use what they can,î Jenny said.

Jenny said business tapers down in the winter, but has picked up now that it is spring. ìWe had 58 TVs in April,î Jenny said.

The couple knows recycling isnít a big money making venture, but thatís OK.

ìWeíre trying to break even at least if we can,î Jenny said. ìItís a service to people and it keeps it out of landfills and ditches.î

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com