Today, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners are joining with thousands of local organizers holding recycling events across the country to celebrate America Recycles Day, the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. A collection event will be held in the Administration/Courthouse Lobby, 373 South High Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following items will be collected: old cell phones, and gently-used clothing and eyeglasses will be donated for reuse by those with needs; printer cartridges will be recycled with the proceeds going to benefit Operation Feed; and e-waste (electronics, old computers and monitors) and all types of batteries that will be recycled or properly disposed.
“I am so proud to work with so many great county employees that are so enthusiastic about recycling and being good stewards of our resources,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “In addition to this nationwide effort, we also have a very impressive internal recycling effort here at the County that saves taxpayer money and the environment.”
The County is on target to recycle 196 tons of fiber (paper and cardboard) this year. Not only is the tonnage diverted from the landfill, saving dump fees, the county also makes money from fiber recycling. In addition, the County’s Blue Bag program for mixed recyclables (plastic, glass, and aluminum) is expected to keep another 23 tons out of the landfill, and assorted metals recycled should reach 44 tons.
“Growing up on our family farm, I learned to recycle everything we could, and thereby stretching our budget. It was that common sense approach that guided my policy making on Resolution 683-06 and on other sustainability issues,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “So called ‘green’ initiatives are really good old fashioned American frugality, taken to the next level by our generation. We save money and conserve our resources by recycling; protecting our children and the environment they will inherit.”
“It is so easy to participate in this important nationwide recycling initiative,” said Commissioner John O’Grady. “We recycle in my home, and my kids love it. By simply tossing cans, plastic containers and cardboard boxes into our recycling bins, we can all do our part in keeping our communities beautiful.”
“We are very proud supporters of Franklin County’s America Recycles Day event and commend their efforts to promote recycling in Franklin County. Recycling is the easiest thing we can all do to save energy, conserve natural resources and create green jobs. Collectively, through events like these, we aim to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year,” said Brenda Pulley, Vice President of Recycling Programs at Keep America Beautiful and national program manager for America Recycles Day.
About America Recycles Day
America Recycles DaySM is a national program of Keep America Beautiful, and is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November 15 to educate, promote environmental citizenship, and encourage action. Learn more at AmericaRecyclesDay.org.
About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of over 1,200 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community's environment.