In 2005, Marilyn Gunn recruited local veterans to sit atop bales of recycled aluminum and plastic for the local recycling group’s Fourth of July parade float.

“It was a great tie-in. It was very appealing. It was one of those things that factored into our decision to move here,” said Melissa Aronson, who had worked in recycling more than 25 years in the Lower 48 before moving here five years ago and joining the board…