Steps Towards Sustainable Community, Winter 2005

The Recyclist

For the last five years, Shane Keller has been making his living as The Recyclist, collecting recyclable materials using a bicycle. Keller collects from about 38 Arcata businesses, large institutions, single-family homes, and apartment complexes. He also does waste audits.

"I can pull two 8-foot trailers that hold 6 yards of material, more than a typical full-size pickup truck," explains Keller. To cover more ground, he has acquired a moped powered by four 12-volt rechargeable batteries.

Keller picks up paper, cardboard, chipboard, egg cartons, plastic, glass, metal, packing peanuts, appliances, clean clothes, reusable household items, sports equipment, furniture, and green waste. He also collects food waste and takes it to the Potawot Community Garden (Insert, page 10) for composting.

Keller uses postconsumer waste for construction projects; his collection racks are made of futon frames. In the works are 1.5- and 3-yard cardboard dumpsters, to be built with old aluminum and steel roofing.

"I am creating a zero waste partnership," notes Keller. "People are already paying for recycling when they throw it in their trash can; it’s just not being recycled. I offer a recycling system that’s convenient and cheaper than trash. All my customers see a savings over time."

Contact information:
Shane Keller,
The Recyclist
P.O. 472
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 825-7535
recyclist@humboldt.org

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Last updated: August 01, 2008