While other superheroes routinely save the earth by thwarting evil geniuses or slaying otherworldly monsters, the colorfully clad ReCyclone takes a different approach: She’s saving the earth one bottle, can, and corrugated box at a time.

A mild-mannered recycling specialist by day, Amanda Dent becomes a eco-loving superhero when duty calls. Dent has transformed herself into her masked alter ego, ReCyclone, for a variety of public events in Dunn County.

The idea for ReCyclone originated last year when the Dunn County Solid Waste Division began a “Get Caught Recycling” program, and Dent and her colleagues decided it would be fun to have a costumed character who could “catch” and reward recyclers. The outfit – complete with green boots and gloves, a yellow cape, a blue mask, and a recycle-symbol bedecked belt – was created in March by Ann Behrens, the costume designer for the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre. Behrens was also one of two people to suggest naming the character “ReCyclone.” The name subsequently won a contest, beating the likes of the Landfill Avenger, The Diminisher, or Captain A.F.T.E.R. (Advocate for the Earth’s Resources).

Unlike most of her comic-book counterparts, Dent isn’t cautious about revealing her secret identity: “We made it so the mascot can talk and describe recycling and encourage residents and kids to recycle,” Dent explains. Unsurprisingly, ReCyclone has proved particularly popular with the younger set.

“You should have seen the kids just staring at me in the hallway,” Dent says, describing a recent visit to Boyceville Elementary School. In real life, Dent works for the recycling programs in both Dunn and Eau Claire counties, so she’s happy to bring ReCyclone to public events around the Chippewa Valley. For more information, call (715) 232-4017.