David Berg began his career with Otter Tail County as one of the first employees in the newly founded recycling center. After 27 years, he is now retiring.
“When I first started, we were a lot smaller, and we were sorting (recycling) off the floor and off tables. And when we moved into the newer part, it became more mechanized,” recalled Berg in a press release from the county. “Of course, the volume has increased over that time, and balers have improved and become more efficient.”
The recycling collected in Otter Tail County is processed at the recycling center where Berg has worked since its start in 1994. Until recently, all recycling in the county was source separated, and in 2017, Fergus Falls and Perham transitioned to single-sort recycling.
Afterward, both cities saw increases in the tonnage of materials.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have had him (Berg) in our department. His calm and content nature is valued and admired by so many. His skill, knowledge, and loyalty will be missed,” said Rena Simon, recycling manager. “He has every reason to be proud of his work for the past 27 years, and it will be difficult for him and all of his coworkers as he walks away on his last day of work.”
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Berg said, “Working in the Solid Waste Department has been more than a job, and I will miss it.”
