Innovative Recycling Containers Yield Significant Economic & Environmental Benefits

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has always had its eye on promoting recycling's benefits to Georgia citizens. Numerous studies confirmed recycling's economic and environmental benefits. Many Georgia-based businesses (e.g. North GA’s carpet mills, newsprint producers, etc.) save millions each year by using recycled items as raw materials instead of purchasing new raw materials. Recycling also protects our environment through litter prevention and encouraging citizens to keep our natural environments clean.

In 2007, DCA set its sights on expanding the public’s knowledge of recycling with a focus on special events, which typically had large attendance and lots of recyclable products e.g. paper, plastic bottles. A few months later, DCA connected with ClearTainers, Inc. (http://www.cleartainers.com), a Palos Heights, IL-based company that developed an innovative line of portable recycling containers. With their visible blue tops and clear bags, ClearStream containers by ClearTainers were easily distinguished from regular trash cans. The design also helped citizens distinguish between items as trash or recyclables. Easy to move, set-up, transport, service and store, communities and groups are recognizing the value of this innovative & cost-effective recycling option.

In October 2007, DCA awarded grants to 13 communities for upcoming special events. More than 1,000 ClearTainers have been distributed to communities statewide.

As warmer temperatures promote more outdoor events, DCA and ClearTainers are aiming to expand the public’s awareness of recycling, conservation and keeping our environment clean. DCA’s recycling trailers and Clear Tainers will be on display and community pick-up Monday, June 30, 2008 at Atlanta’s Piedmont Park (the Meadows – corner of 10th Street and Monroe Drive). Communities will pick up additional trailers & recycling containers and state/ company officials and other recycling experts will be on hand to discuss how communities and groups can benefit from use of this unique recycling tool.

WHO:

Jim Alderden, President, ClearTainers, Inc.

Randy Hartmann, Environmental Management Director – Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Recycling experts, Communities “Recycling” Departments Picking Up Trailers

WHEN/ WHERE:

 Monday, June 30, 2008 – 10:00 AM

Piedmont Park – The Meadows (Corner of 10th Street and Monroe Drive)