FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Springfield Environmental Services will celebrate America Recycles Day 2020 by issuing a month-long community challenge to recycle 100 tons of paper, the top recyclable material found in Springfield’s Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill.
America Recycles Day, a program of Keep America Beautiful, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Every year on or around Nov. 15 (America Recycles Day), local events are held throughout the country to celebrate and learn more about recycling programs.
On average, more than 85 tons of paper is collected per month at City recycling drop-off sites. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 17, the City hopes to see that number increase to 100 tons.
“Paper is one of those materials that’s so easy to recycle, and yet more than 25% of the material disposed of in our landfill is paper,” says Education Outreach Coordinator Laurie Davis. “As we approach the holidays when folks are using more wrapping paper, cards and tissue paper, what better way to bring awareness to recycling in the community than to focus on paper.”
All mixed paper collected at Springfield recycling sites goes to the local Nestlé Purina PetCare facility, where items are processed into animal bedding and pet litter products sold throughout the U.S. Through this arrangement, approximately $2.5 million is returned to the Springfield community annually in payroll and locally purchased goods and services.
“Paper is a fantastic example of the economic benefits recycling can bring to a community,” says Market Development Coordinator Ashley Krug. “Nestlé Purina has been a great partner for over a decade, supporting Springfield’s sustainability efforts, while also contributing to our local economy.”
Recycle these paper items, accepted at all City recycling centers:
- Books – hardback and paperback
- Junk mail, envelopes with cellophane windows, calendars (no spirals), shredded paper
- Magazines, catalogs and telephone directories
- Newspapers and slick inserts
- Office/school/construction/white/colored paper (office staples are ok!)
- Paper egg cartons & paper labels from cans
- Paperboard such as cereal, shoe, tissue and beverage can boxes
- Paperboard toilet paper, paper towel and wrapping paper tubes
- Wrapping paper and greeting cards (no foil, glitter, mylar, or plastic)
- Wrapping tissue
Paper recycling tips:
- Paper needs to be clean and dry. No used paper towels or food soiled items, please!
- Slick, waxy box containers like milk cartons and juice boxes are NOT accepted.
- Consider recycling when cleaning out school desks and offices at the end of the year.
- Flatten paperboard boxes and tubes to make more room in the bin.
- Remove metal binder clips, paper clips or spirals.
About Springfield’s Integrated Solid Waste Management System
The City’s recycling centers are part of the City’s voter-approved Integrated Solid Waste Management System, which manages and reduces Springfield’s waste stream. The system is funded primarily by landfill fees and the sale of mulch and compost products at the Yardwaste Recycling Center. The system includes the City’s sanitary landfill, three recycling dropoff centers, Yardwaste Recycling Center, Household Chemical Collection Center, and Public Education and Market Development Programs. Curbside recycling is offered by private solid waste service providers.
Franklin Avenue Recycling Center (731 N. Franklin Avenue)
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Directions: Travel north from the intersection of Chestnut Expressway and Broadway Avenue. Turn left on Poplar Street, then right on Franklin Avenue.
Lone Pine Avenue Recycling Center (3020 S. Lone Pine Ave.)
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m. (through 1st Sunday in December)
Directions: Just a few feet south of the Lone Pine Avenue and Battlefield Road intersection in southeast Springfield. From U.S. 65, take the Battlefield exit west to Lone Pine Avenue.
Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119, Brookline)
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m. (through 1st Sunday in December)
Directions: The City’s Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC) also provides a space to collect household recyclables. The YRC is located near the Southwest Treatment Plant. Drive west on Sunshine (Hwy. 60). Turn left (south) on to Farm Road 115. Turn left (east) onto Farm Road 164. Follow signs to the (YRC). Access is also available by going west on James River Freeway to Sunshine (Hwy. 60), turning right (east) onto Sunshine (Hwy. 60). Turn right (south) onto Farm Road 115, turning left (East) onto Farm Road 164. Follow the signs to the YRC.
# # #
For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].