I just made $6.40 from old wire

Yes, I was just well paid for 85 pounds of old wire fencing that we took off the farm to a new company.  This company is making a profit and community service out of scrap.  The company is called Cycle Systems.  I just googled them and and learned that they have 7 locations in the western part of Virginia.  They are collecting iron, aluminum, cardboard and more.

Rather than going to the county  “land fill” which is way out in the country and charges for their service, I drove into the center of Charlottesville.  Here is a verbatim description of what happens.

“Cycle Systems operates two facilities – its Roanoke headquarters and in Lynchburg – where recyclable material is processed. Our success depends upon five additional branch facilities that help to make recycling convenient to the many individuals, businesses and municipalities throughout the region.

Material is received on scales, unloaded via hydraulic and is often partially processed  then shipped via truck or rail to our two processing plants. As a green company, we’re growing our own rail fleet to increase more environmentally friendly rail shipments using massive 6,000-cubic-foot rail cars. This saves fuel and reduces truck traffic on our congested roads.”

It was easy.  The staff was efficient and pleasant.  I was handed my $6.40 after the truck weight was taken, we backed up to a dumping spot and  pulled off the wire.  I just thought of all the horse farms who have old gates, wire fencing that is a hazard, and horse shoes.  With the convenience, not having to pay a guy to bury the stuff, not traveling 20 miles to pay the “land fill” center and my time.  I saved about $50 in the end.

Karleen Hubley copyright 2012