Henry strives to keep Orange litter free

Published 12:12 pm Wednesday, May 2, 2018

By Keep Orange County Beautiful

Joe Henry has a passion for keeping Orange beautiful. The disabled veteran recycles all types of metals.

At a recent Shangri La Trash Off some 5,400 pounds of metal was collected and recycled. Metals collected to date this year by Henry total 15,620 pounds.

Henry believes if people knew how long it takes for some of the ‘litter’ to decompose, they would think twice before tossing any kind of litter out of their car windows or allowing it to blow out of the backs of their trucks.

The time it takes litter to decompose:

Paper – two to five months

Orange peels – six months

Milk cartons – five years

Filter-tip cigarette butts – 10 to 12 years

Plastic bags – 10 to 20 years

Leather shoes – 25 to 40 years

Nylon cloth – 30 to 40 years

Plastic containers – 50 to 80 years

Aluminum – 90 to 100 years

Plastic foam – never

Henry believes that not everyone has the love for keeping our community clean.

“Fear of getting caught and paying a hefty fine will make them think twice before littering. Current litter ordinances in Orange County need to be updated; fines increased and enforced. What good is a law if it’s not enforced?” Henry said.

If you have metals including appliances, computer p[arts, tire rims, old motors, lawn mowers, trailer frames, etc. which need to be recycled and no way to do so, call Henry at (409) 221-1555 for pick up.

In Orange County one can take recyclables to the County Collection Site on 1442 or J3 Metals on Hwy 105 in North Vidor.

Keep Orange County Beautiful, the local non-profit affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful is proud to recognize Joe Henry for his valuable gift of time and energy with its ensuing environmental benefits; proud to name him Keep Orange County Beautiful’s Hometown Beautification Hero.

For more information on Keep Orange County Beautiful visit our website www.KOCB.org or visit us on Facebook at Keep Orange County Beautiful.