For nearly 40 years this couple has been making rural Michigan eco-friendly

LAINGSBURG, Mich. (InvestigateTV) - While less than half of all U.S. households participate regularly in recycling programs, a rural Michigan couple has made it their mission to get more people involved and are making a significant eco-friendly impact in their community.

In Shiawassee County, Ellen and Terry Link have emerged as a dynamic recycling duo.

Operating out of a building that’s nearly four years old, the couple calls their facility “home sweet home” for the Greater Laingsburg Recyclers program.

Nearly four decades of service

Ellen and Terry have been in the recycling game for nearly four decades. They started the Greater Laingsburg Recyclers program in 1988, with their first recycling drive taking place in 1989.

When asked if people consider them recycling royalty, Ellen laughed while Terry modestly responded, “I don’t know about royalty.”

Over the past 36 years, this self-described “prince of paper” and “queen of cardboard” have created a choreographed car unloading system for recycling cans, bottles, plastics and cardboard, plus electronics.

“We’re taking TVs nobody else is taking TVs,” Terry said.

Community-driven operation

Now in retirement, the couple has created a useful place for people to dispose of reusable materials. Ellen noted the facility “provides people from outlying areas, who say we have nothing where we live, so they will drive a distance to bring their materials here.”

The drive-through drop-off operates four days a month and is run totally by volunteers. “Nobody gets paid, totally volunteer — that’s why it works,” Terry said.

The couple credits community support for their success. The building sits on property owned by the Laingsburg School District, and they maintain good working relationships with local governments and businesses.

“Most people thank us for being here,” Terry said. “We thank them for taking the trouble to put the stuff in their car and drive it here.”

Measuring success

Ellen and Terry measure their success in pounds and tons. They processed a little over 100 tons of recyclable materials in 2023 and 2024, and they’re on pace this year to set a recycling record.

“We usually have a great time, even when it’s crazy busy,” Ellen said, describing their passion with an environmental purpose — taking one person’s trash and turning it into a community treasure.

“Yes, we’re very happy with how things have worked out,” Ellen said.

For more information on the Greater Laingsburg Recyclers here’s a link to their website: recyclelaingsburg.wixsite.com/mysite