Talking trash: A look at recycling services in the Flathead Valley

Despite having fewer opportunities than larger population areas, recycling businesses in the Flathead Valley say there are still plenty of ways to turn trash into treasure. In general, Montana has barriers to recycling that most other states do not have, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. Low population density and a large geographical area mean that it’s very difficult to find markets for materials that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Montanans recycle 19% of the waste generated here, according to the state environmental agency. The overall U.S. recycling rate is about 32%, according to the U.S. Environmental…