He explained that Arc has been involved in recycling in Amador and Calaveras since 1991 by utilizing contracts with “Amador County and other agencies to collect recyclables at schools, parks and elsewhere.” He added that, “Arc is striving for a zero waste workplace with a written policy that guides waste reduction and environmentally conscious habits at their facility.” He went on to explain that, “Currently, Arc recycles all of their fluorescent tubes and bulbs, batteries, printer cartridges, and electronic waste.  Each desk is provided with a basket for paper recycling.  Only recycled-content office paper, paper towels, and toilet paper are used in their facility.” Now, McHargue added “that the toilet paper is recycled and not reused – an important distinction,” he said. Arc also has collection bins for recyclable products as well as recycles food waste through vermicomposting or worm composting, one of McHargue’s favorites as he himself keeps worms under his desk for the same purpose. 

Even Arc’s green waste is recycled through backyard composting. Arc pushes the recycling efforts even further by having had efficient lighting, supplemental solar, new window panes, and weather stripping installed in their building. McHargue said with as much glass as the ARC has recycled it nearly totals ten tons which he pointed out “is the equivalent of about five Honda Civic automobiles.” In closing McHargue said, “The Arc’s staff and clients alike have proven to be true pioneers in the field of recycling with many innovative programs that benefits not only the citizens of Amador County, but the environment and our future generations to come.” He then invited Arc’s Executive Director Mike Sweeney, Arc’s Amador Director of Services Mike Rolf, and Harlan Snooks and Corky Shull, to come forward and accept the resolutions on ARC’s behalf. Also, immediately following, RosaLee McProudy and Ruth Witebsky presented a plaque of appreciation to Sweeney for his 18 years of dedicated service to Arc. Sweeney thanked everybody and said, “The real pioneers in recycling are the people we serve.” He went on to say he likes to use the vision of a flock of geese and as the leader of the “V” gets tired someone else moves to the front to guide the flock, he said he attributes that Arc mentality to his 18 years of dedicated service.