Caledonia Argus

Nick Nichols taking job elimination in stride

Posted: 12/30/03

Nick Nichols is not bitter about losing his job as Houston County Recycling Coordinator.

The county board eliminated it, effective February 1, at its December 23 meeting, as part of restructuring the environmental services department, formally known as the zoning and solid waste department.

Nichols, who took over the job 14 years ago on January 2, said the cut is nobodyís fault. He feels it came as a result of Governor Tim Pawlentyís pledge of no new taxes.

ìIíve had a wonderful run as far as being a recycling coordinator,î he said on December 24. ìWeíve accomplished a great deal with our program. ìIím very proud of it and the people of Houston County should be very proud of it.î

Once the change is complete, recyclables will be processed at Waste Management facility in La Crosse and not in Houston, where it is currently done. People will find it a bit easier to recycle items. Hereís why: All the fibers, such as magazines, cardboard, and newspapers, will go in one bag or bin. All the rigids, such as glass, tin, aluminum, and plastic, will go in another bag or bin. Nichols feels this will be a good improvement for the public.

ìWeíre not changing the types of materials that weíre accept,î Nichols said. ìWe are changing the way we accept them.î

He will assist Rick Frank, who now has the title of environment services director, in the educational program for this change. ìHopefully we can accomplish that in the next month.î

The building in Houston, which the county owns, will remain a recycling center for the time being, for things like corrugated cardboard and aluminum, which is a money-maker for the county, Nichols said. Three truck drivers and one adult handicapped worker work for Woodland Industries but are subcontracted to the recycling program. Nichols isnít sure how they will be effected by the restructuring.

The companies that pick up the recyclables will remain the same. Richardís Sanitation has the cities of Spring Grove, Brownsville, Caledonia and Hokah; Root River Recycling has La Crescent township and city of Houston; and Waste Management has the city of La Crescent.

Nichols, who lives in rural La Crosse with his wife and four children, said he is viewing the lay-off as one door being closed and another one opening. ìThat means I also have an opportunity for something different, maybe something better.î

Top of Page