11/14/2012

PRESS RELEASE: City of Philadelphia To Celebrate America Recycles Day On November 15

Philadelphia, November 14, 2012 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that the City of Philadelphia’s official America Recycles Day celebration will be on Thursday, November 15 at various city locations. America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful program, is the nation’s only community-driven national awareness initiative dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

“Recycling is a cornerstone of my commitment to making Philadelphia the greenest city in the U.S., and it’s one of the easiest things we can do every day to help conserve natural resources, save energy, create green jobs,” said Mayor Nutter. “Participating in America Recycles Day in Philadelphia is the best way to celebrate the progress Philadelphia has made in recent years through City initiatives and programs”

Recycling in Philadelphia has made significant strides during the past few years, with more than 120,000 tons of recyclables collected through the City’s curbside recycling program in fiscal year 2012 (July 2011 – June 2012) – an increase of 137% over totals from just five years ago. According to the City’s Recycling Office and Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Philadelphia’s recycling efforts helped reduce greenhouse gas the equivalent of nearly 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide during 2011.

“The program changes the Streets Department implemented starting a few years ago, including the switch to ‘single-stream’ and weekly pickup, have not only helped boost program participation, but also increase operational efficiencies,” said Commissioner Clarena Tolson. “Philadelphia’s ever-evolving recycling efforts are forging our way to become the greenest city in America.”

Philadelphia’s recycling efforts do not stop at residential curbside pickup. In FY12, approximately 2,000 tons of other recyclables including leaves, brush, and electronics were also collected either at curbside, at the City’s sanitation convenience centers or at special electronics and household hazardous waste collection events.

Other notable recycling and waste reduction opportunities that were initiated during the past year include:

• Distribution of more than 2,000 recycling bins to residents during the council district’s recycling days;
• Addition of beverage cartons and drink boxes to the curbside recycling program through a partnership with the U.S. Carton Council;
• Increased opportunities to recycle in public places through the City’s Big Belly recycling containers; and
• Partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department and Insinkerator, Inc. to assess benefits of using in-sink disposal units for food waste in two Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Since the inception of America Recycles Day in 1997, communities across the country have organized events in November to promote recycling awareness, commitment and action. Last year during America Recycles Day, some 2 million people took part in more than 2,000 events across the nation.

The America Recycles Day events set to take place in Philadelphia on November 15 include:

John B. Kelly Elementary School America Recycles Day Celebration
Location: 5116 Pulaski Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Date: Nov. 15, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Event Description: Recognition of recycling effort among 2nd graders and remarks by Streets Department Commissioner Clarena I. W, Tolson

America Recycles Day Celebration
Location: Liacouras Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Date: Nov. 15, 2012 - Nov. 15, 2012
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Description: A combination of student organizations and university departments will be tabling to raise awareness about recycling and waste minimization services available on campus.
Website: http://sustainability.temple.edu

Rose Recreation Center America Recycles Day
Location: Rose Recreation Center, 75th and Lansdowne, Philadelphia, PA 19151
Date: Nov. 15, 2012 - Nov. 15, 2012
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event Description: Educational Event at Rose Recreation Center

2012 PHL America Recycles Day Celebration
Location: Terminal B-C Food Court, Philadelphia International Airport Terminal B-C, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Date: Nov. 15, 2012 - Nov. 15, 2012
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Event Description: Promote recycling and environmental awareness through a variety of educational activities that are both informative and fun. Several exhibitors will also be on hand to help promote recycling at PHL and across the Philadelphia region. PHL passengers and employees are encouraged to participate in this event.

Recycling Bin Give-a-Way
Location: Frankford CDC, 4900 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
Date: Nov. 15, 2012 - Nov. 15, 2012
Time: noon - 5 p.m.
Event Description: Recycling education and bin give-a-way event.
Website: http://frankfordcdc.com/

Recycle Philly - After Party
Location: Fado, 1500 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Date: Nov. 15, 2012 - Nov. 15, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Event Description: Celebrate Recycling Day 2012 with a drink, and a discussion on how to help restaurants and bars in Philly do a better job recycling.

City Council District Recycling Bin Give-Away
Date: November 17th, 2012
Location: Councilman O’Neill Councilman’s District Office (District 10), Bustleton & Bowler St.
Time: 9:00am – 11:30 a.m.

For more information on any Philadelphia recycling programs, please visit the recycling website at www.PhillyRecyclingPAYS.com or www.philadelphiastreets.com/recycling. Residents may also call the Streets Department’s Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560, or call 3-1-1.


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