Letters to the Editor - Recycling - Recycling

I appreciate the recycling operations of Minneapolis, particularly the pickup of metal items. But there are some problems with the system. Since the downturn in the economy, I have seen several people — mostly men — who have been traveling through the alleys on the prowl for metal of any sort. Some are only looking for cans, but most want more lucrative items. (And leave us with a @#$ mess when they smash tvs or computer screens to get what they want!)  

We can call the police about these people.  But we can also change our lifestyle to reduce their supply lines. And if you see them, do not hand them metal or cans. You may be “thanked” by having your home robbed as one family in the neighborhood experienced. 

Here are a few ideas to reduce, reuse or recycle metal.  Consider buying more fresh food at the Camden Farmer’s market and/or grow a garden. Preserve food from the market and/or your garden. Switch from canned to bottled beverages.  Save metal items and get cash for them at Scrappy’s or Kirschbaum Krupp. Donate usable items to charities such as ARC, Salvation Army or Bibles for Missions who will pick up items for free. Put up signs and have a free rummage “sale”  on your front lawn.  And by the way, try donating your old computers or tvs to charity to prevent the messes left by these metal prowlers. A useful —although a bit old — link for where to donate them is at http://www. startribune.com/business/yourmoney/124597648.html?refer=y.

Daye Gardenia,

Camden