Henry Hates Litter, Loves Recycling

Joe Henry has a passion for Keeping Orange Beautiful.  This disabled veteran recycles all types of metals.  At the recent Shangri La Trash Off some 5400 pounds of metal was collected and recycled.  Metals collected to date this year by Henry total 15,620 pounds.  The photo of Joe collecting a piece of sheet metal was taken at the corner of Hwy 87 and MLK.

Joe believes that 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 back of their trucks.  The time it takes litter to decompose: paper, 2 to 5 months; orange peels, 6 months; milk cartons, 5 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!

Joe also 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?” asks Joe.  If you have metals including appliances, computer parts, tire rims, old motors, lawn mowers, trailer frames etc that need to be recycled and no way to do so; call Joe (409) 221-1555 for pick up.  Where to Recycle in Orange County: Old Landfill on 1442; J3 Metals Hwy 105 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; and proud to name him Keep Orange County Beautiful’s Hometown Beautification Hero.   For more information on Keep Orange County Beautiful visit our website at www.KOCB.org.  Or visit us on facebook at Keep Orange County Beautiful