Reusing things just makes common sense. But whether or not the practice makes good financial sense remains a puzzling question for our area — three years after curbside recycling first began here.

Since its inception here in 2013, curbside recycling has become a great thing for some people who are environmentally conscience.

But it also comes as a headache of sorts for the company being paid to handle curbside recycling.

The contracted hauler told Adams County supervisors recently the company is losing substantial amounts of money in propping up a relatively weak percentage of households regularly recycling. A big part of the problem is that no local source can be found at which recyclables may be taken.

The nearest center, apparently is in Sumrall — a five-hour drive round trip.

We can understand what that unexpected transit version does to the company’s business plan.

Despite the hiccups, our community needs to embrace curbside recycling and work hard to make it work for all parties.

We’ve often wondered if technology could be at play here. Individuals use simple, smartphone applications to track their own movements — workouts, trips to the store, etc.

Could Global Positioning System trackers help the haulers determine which houses routinely recycle?

If so, why not use that address-specific data to learn who is recycling and who isn’t?

That data could allow the city and county to offer recyclers a chance to earn a discount on their trash pickup. A small incentive may be all that’s needed to increase the number of households participating and make that five-hour drive worthwhile.