UNVEILING OF RECYCLING UNITS: Shown from left are city officials and civil leaders: Shirley Wiltshire, Alderwoman, Gwen Smith, PRCC Director Career and Technical Education; Daniel Smith, PRCC Commercial During Instructor; Blair Sampson, USDA; Ned Edwards, USDA; Mayor Brad Necaise, Smith, Byron Wells, Alderman; Ann Bosworth, Poplarville High School; Jason Pearson, Alderman; and Elvia Edwards, Poplarville Woman’s Club. Not shown is Stacy Wilkes of Poplarville Rotary Club.
Photo submitted

The city of Poplarville is in the process of coordinating a recycling program for residents of the city and surrounding areas. City officials unveiled the program’s major components, which involves solar-powered waste collectors, portable recycling units and transportation of materials to a recycling facility through the support of Poplarville Rotary Club and the cooperation of Pearl River Community College Truck Driving students.

The three stationery solar-powered units will be installed throughout the city and have communication chips that will contact the manufacturer when they reach their capacity of 40 lbs. The manufacturer will then contact the public works department via text to tell them which receptacle needs emptying.

Necaise said when enough 40 lb. bundles have been collected from the containers to fill a truck, truck-driving students from PRCC would deliver the load to a recycling center in Sumrall.

“The students will earn credit and it will not cost the city for transportation,” Necaise said.

The containers will only accept household plastic, aluminum and paper products, Necaise said.

In addition to the solar-powered units, Boy Scout member recycling Jared Smith, who is also an honors graduate at Poplarville High School, designed portable recycling units to place over trash cans at public events, such as Chamber functions and the Blueberry Jubilee.

The program is still in the beginning stages and will not be implemented until city representatives have attended classes to learn about the solar-powered units.

Poplarville Rotary President Stacy Wilkes said the club is happy the city is moving forward with an important project that will promote a clean environment.

PRCC Vice President of Economic Development Scott Alsobrooks said, “Any time we can contribute to our local community or county we are happy to help. It is a win-win and the students enjoy knowing they are working on a real project that is making a difference. This is learning with a purpose.”

Necaise said the city of Poplarville would like to thank all members of the Poplarville Recycling Committee and the entities they represent from around the city.

“I believe the Poplarville Recycling Center sends a message to residents and visitors alike that we care about Poplarville and how we manage our recyclable items for a better environment,” Necaise said.