community recycling award | orange county, nc
In 2008 the 128,000 residents of Orange County, North Carolina recovered approximately 8,750 tons of paper thanks to education and outreach combined with successful efforts to make recycling more accessible to residents. The county recycling program includes weekly curbside collection in urban areas; biweekly curbside for rural locations, multi-family units, drop-off sites, and government buildings; plus collection from city buses and “park and ride” locations. County officials also offer technical assistance to businesses, churches, schools, and clubs interested in developing paper recycling programs.
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Education about the program happens through a variety of print, audio, and online media in Orange County. Recycling officials attend local fairs and festivals and provide demonstrations to schools, businesses, and community groups on request. Partnerships with the local chamber of commerce help to promote small business recycling, and the “Shred-a-thon” program initiated with the local police and sheriff’s departments has yielded impressive results. The most recent Shred-a-thon event resulted in more than seven tons of paper provided by 300 residents. |
The program’s cost-effectiveness is measured by monthly curbside and drop-off recycling tonnages and an annual analysis is conducted to determine the cost per ton and per household. To learn more about Orange County’s recycling program, visit www.co.orange.nc.us/recycling. |  |
