MRS. WANDA Campbell’s day at the Manchester Recycling Center begins each week with the sun rising over a stream of cars pulling in, the trunks filled with cardboard, plastic, and glass. With a warm smile and a kind word for each visitor, Mrs. Wanda has become the heart and soul of the center. For the past 3 1/2 years, she has not only guided people through the intricacies of recycling but has also touched the lives of everyone who crosses her path.
“I never thought I would enjoy it this much,” Mrs. Wanda admitted.
Her venture into recycling was unexpected. After working for 45 years at a pipe plant, she found herself retired and looking for something to do.
“My husband heard that the lady running the center was leaving, and I thought, ‘Well, I don’t know anything about recycling, but I’ll give it a shot since it’s only 10 hours a week.’”
What began as a way to fill her retirement has grown into something much bigger. Mrs. Wanda immediately discovered that the center was a platform for connecting with people and making a tangible difference in their lives.
“The thing I enjoy most is meeting the people. Sometimes, they tell me their stories, and I help them with their questions. It’s really the best part of the job.”
Over the years, she has learned how closely recycling resonates with people, each bringing their own experiences and motivations.
“I interviewed about 50 people recently, asking them how long they had been recycling. I got answers like 10 years or 20 years, but I couldn’t believe it when one lady said 40 years, and another said 54. The average was around 10 years, but that’s pretty good for our little area.”
Some of her favorite stories come from those who found their way to recycling through their children.
“One man said his kids started pointing out things at home, telling him, ‘Dad, that can be recycled.’ After hearing it a few times, he decided to give it a try. He’s been recycling for about two years now, thanks to his kids.”
Mrs. Wanda’s passion for the job is contagious. She takes pride in guiding newcomers and patiently explaining the different bins and materials.
She arrives at work early to check the bins and make sure everything’s in order. If she notices someone who seems unsure, she offers a helping hand. She gives them a guided tour and shows them where all their recyclables go.
Despite her love for the work, there are challenges. Sorting plastics is one of the trickiest parts.
“People are often confused about which plastics go where. Milk jugs, for example, belong in the No. 2 plastic bin, but they sometimes end up in the wrong place. It’s hard to keep track of everyone, especially when we have seven or eight cars at once, but I do my best.”
As someone who wasn’t always an avid recycler herself, Mrs. Wanda has come to appreciate the importance of her work, not just for the environment but also for the economy.
“Recycling supports the economy by keeping valuable materials in our economy rather than our landfills. On the sheet that the recycling people gave me, it says, ‘Tennessee throws away $180 million of recyclable materials. Just Tennessee every year.’”
Working at the center has given her a new perspective on the world and the small but significant ways people can make a difference. She said she never learned about recycling growing up — her parents recycle, and they didn’t teach it in schools like they do now. But she’s seen firsthand how important it is, from saving trees to keeping plastics out of rivers. The facts she’s learned along the way are staggering.
“For example, glass can be recycled 100% and reused over and over. It takes 24 trees to make one ton of paper, but recycling that paper can save all those trees. And plastics — some of them can take 500 years to decompose if they’re not recycled.”
As the only full recycling center in Manchester, it’s no wonder Mrs. Wanda stays busy. The facility is open just 10 hours a week, but during that time, it receives a constant stream of materials from residents who want to do their part.
“We don’t have a big staff, but we have a lot of people coming through. I feel proud to be a part of something that makes a difference.”
Mrs. Wanda may have started at the recycling center on a whim, but it’s clear that her time there has become something far more meaningful than a retirement job. She’s become a bright light of environmental awareness in her community with a smile on her face, a kind conversation, and a few recycled items.
“I never imagined I’d be so passionate about it,” she said. “But I’m glad I found it — or maybe it found me.”
Recycling has countless benefits — it reduces waste in landfills, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and supports local jobs. Getting started is easy. Begin by sorting your household items — plastics, cardboard, paper, and glass — into designated bins. Next time you visit the Manchester Recycling Center, be sure to say hello and do your part to support a cleaner, more sustainable future. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our environment. GN
