Solid Waste Solutions in Rural Alaska::
Additional Success Stories from Rural Alaska:

Kivalina IRA Council

Contact:
   Millie Hawley
   907/645-2256
   millie.hawley@kivaliniq.org

Despite a number of overwhelming environmental challenges and little infrastructure, the Kivalina Environmental Department has managed to operate a recycling program with one of the highest participation rates by residents in the State. When not carrying out subsistence activities, they collect from 7 to 11 full bags of recycled materials per week - and have shipped out an average of 100lbs per month for the first half of 2006. This same staff is successfully collecting lead-acid batteries as they go door to door for the cans, and the Department collects household batteries. Through the Alaska Materials Exchange, they found someone in Anchorage to ship their Styrofoam peanuts and they also collect plastic bags. They use their can refund monies to pay for posting out their household batteries, Styrofoam, etc. In short, they have a high participation, sustainable, and diverse recycling program. They continue to look for ways to expand the opportunities, increase participation, and persevere when their program runs into obstacles.