WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Inside a center in Wichita one cycle ends and heads to another.

“It’s a waste when you take stuff to the landfill instead of recycling it,” said Mike Hastings, President of PRo Kansas Recycling .

For 20 years, PRo Kansas Recycling has encouraged others to make the most of their resources.

“When you calculate how much more efficient it is to make a new bottle out of an old bottle instead of out of raw materials. You know, you save oil, you save water, you save natural gas, energy,” Hastings explained.

The center offers free recycling for roughly 20 categories.

“You put the stuff in the right boxes, unload your car, drive out the other side, and you’re back home,” he said.

Afterward, volunteers go through the items, bale them, and sell them locally.

“Glass ends up in McPherson to make fiberglass insulation. A lot of the plastic products will go east or maybe to Chicago. Nothing goes overseas,” Hastings said.

Since the nonprofit opened, it has diverted over 25 million pounds of material from landfills.

Each year, Beth McDonald, the education director, teaches thousands how to properly recycle through presentations and free tours.

McDonald says cleaning is a crucial step.

“Our buyers aren’t going to want out materials after a while because it’s too contaminated.”

It’s a few seconds that ensures the cycle continues.

You can visit PRo Kansa Recycling at 725 E. Clark St., Wichita, KS 67211, on Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

They are hosting a free raffle giveaway to celebrate its 20th anniversary. You can enter by visiting the center by Sept. 7.