LINCOLN COUNTY RECYCLING DEPARTMENT

Maine state law provides for and encourages Counties to partner with their municipalities whenever, by doing so, better and more cost efficient services can be provided to the citizens. Lincoln County has taken the lead in providing this kind of regional/local government partnership(s) with its Recycling Department.

Originally started in 1978 with two employees, the Lincoln County Recycling Department grew steadily through the next decade. It blossomed under the leadership of the late Gerry Silva who became head of the Department in 1989. He invested much effort into community outreach and was successful in obtaining significant grant money to boost the

Recycling Program. The then Maine Waste Management Agency provided the County with a large grant that enabled it to purchase a roll off truck, a one ton pick-up truck with a sander & plow, recycling containers, a shredder/baler and funds to refurbish some existing equipment.

In the early nineties, several municipalities outside of Lincoln County contracted with the County to participate in the Recycling Program. Additional equipment was also purchased and a new 175’ x 75’ building was erected during this time. In the late nineties and to the very present, equipment is being replaced, repaired or added as required.

In 2004 Gerry Silva passed away. Everyone agrees his enthusiasm, his creativity and his passion for the Program has left a real challenge for his successor(s).

In addition to its Recycling Program, the Department has expanded its operation and currently handles the State E-Waste Program in the County in cooperation with the State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection. It also has an active composting program located at its facility at 54 Huntoon Hill Road in Wiscasset.

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