State and Local Agencies Observe America Recycles Day Nov. 15

Thursday, November 10, 2011 | 10:49am
Encourage All Tennesseans to Take Part and Reduce Waste 
 
NASHVILLE – America Recycles Day is Tuesday, Nov. 15, and the Department of Environment and Conservation is joining other state, county and city agencies across Tennessee, providing several opportunities for citizens to reduce waste and make a difference.
 
“I Recycle is the 2011 theme of America Recycles Day and millions of Americans have pledged to increase their recycling habits at home and at work,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “With more than 100 events across the state, I encourage all Tennesseans to join these efforts and make a commitment to better protect and preserve our natural resources by reducing our waste stream.”
 
State agencies such as TDOT, TDEC and TWRA will partner with Keep Tennessee Beautiful and the Tennessee Recycling Coalition, joining an impressive roster of county and city governments, non-profits and local schools on a number of projects throughout the state ranging from charitable drives to recycling opportunities. These projects are designed to encourage employees and residents of the Volunteer State to both reduce individual waste production and to recycle as much waste as possible. Visit www.americarecyclesday.org to find a listing of events in your area.
 
Since 1997, communities across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States.
 
State Employee Recycling Program
 
TDEC also is hosting several State Employee Recycling Program informational booths during the week of Nov. 14 at locations throughout the Nashville area, designed to educate state employees on the importance of recycling. Collection boxes will be available for the following items: cell phones, rechargeable batteries, inkjet cartridges, compact discs and eye glasses. Locations include:
  • Monday, Nov. 14: Tennessee Wildlife Recycling Agency – Lobby (440 Hogan Road, Nashville, TN 37211)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 15 : L&C Tower – 17th Floor Conference Room (401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 16: TennCare Building – Break Room (310 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228)
  • Thursday, Nov. 17: James K. Polk Building – Lobby (500 Deadrick Street, Nashville, TN 37219)
  • Friday, Nov. 18: Tennessee Tower – 4th Floor Employee Entrance (312 Rosa Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243)
In addition, TDEC’s eight Environmental Field Offices will host ARD events for state employees including informational guest presentations by various companies such as Lodge, Temple-Inland, Jackson Kayak and Maggie Bags. These companies will discuss the economic importance of waste reduction and recycling – highlighting aspects of re-manufacturing and recycled products in the state. In addition, examples of recycled products manufactured in Tennessee will be on display throughout the day.
 
The State Employee Recycling Program, coordinated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, continues to expand its waste prevention and recycling efforts. With more than 32,000 state employees participating, nearly 800 tons of mixed office paper was recycled in 2010, generating more than $28,000 in revenue and saving almost $23,000 in landfill costs.
 
The program targets mixed office paper, plastic and aluminum recycling, as well as non-traditional items,such as clothing, coat hangers, eyeglasses and greeting cards, for reuse, donation and recycling. For more information about Tennessee’s State Employee Recycling Program, visit the website at www.tn.gov/environment/ea/serp.
 
Since the program’s inception in 1990, state employees have recycled 17,618 tons of mixed office paper, saving $525,000 in landfill disposal costs while generating nearly $195,000 in recycling revenue. These recycling revenues are deposited in the Solid Waste Management Fund, which is used to help assist local communities in their solid waste reduction efforts.
 
TDEC was recently inducted into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WasteWise Hall of Fame for its efforts to reduce waste through the State Employee Recycling Program. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor awarded to WasteWise Partners and indicates a continued commitment to progressive waste reduction activities.
 
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