AF&PA kicks-off 2010 recycling awards contest

Prestigious National Awards Recognize Excellence in Recycling Programs

December 2, 2009
CONTACT: Carlton Carroll
(202) 463-2587, direct
(202) 212-9361, mobile
carlton_carroll@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today launched its 2010 Recycling Awards program and invited the nation’s business, community, and school paper recycling programs to compete for national recognition. Award criteria, entry forms, deadline, and case studies of previous winners’ programs are all available at paperrecycles.org.

In 2008, a record-high 57.4 percent of paper was recovered for recycling, but there is more that can be done. Reaching the industry’s 60 percent recovery goal by 2012 will require the on-going dedication of the millions of Americans who recycle paper every day at work, school, and at home.

“Recycling is one of our nation’s greatest environmental success stories and the paper industry is proud of its role in nurturing that success. The AF&PA Recycling Awards help promote and encourage recycling by recognizing programs across the country that are making a difference through innovation and hard work,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “We applaud those whose programs and activities enable additional recycling and hope that their efforts will inspire others to follow their lead.”

Separate awards are given for business, community, and school (kindergarten - 12th grade) programs. Previous winners have included Orange County, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; Hewlett Packard; and Giant Eagle. Entries must be submitted no later than February 9, 2010. Award winners will be announced in March, 2010 and will be featured in national and local media outlets and on the paperrecycles.org website. Winners will also receive a cash prize and a piece of original framed artwork.

Visit paperrecycles.org for complete award descriptions, criteria, and entry forms, as well as recycling statistics, program case studies, and a variety of free resources developed to help recycling program managers improve their programs.

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AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products industry. AF&PA represents companies and related associations that engage in or represent the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 6 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing output, employs more than one million people, and ranks among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 42 states with an estimated payroll exceeding $50 billion. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org.