FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Springfield Environmental Services is thrilled to report a 111.29 ton final collection total for their month-long 100-ton paper recycling challenge. This amount is 26 tons above the monthly average normally collected at City recycling sites.
Issued with the goal of increasing awareness for recycling resources in the community, the City issued the challenge beginning on America Recycles Day (Nov. 15) and lasting through Dec. 17.
“We are so excited that this challenge was a success,” says City Market Development Coordinator Ashley Krug. “Not only was 111 tons of paper diverted from the landfill, but the community really showed up this month! Springfield residents really care about sustainability and we hope to see this boost in paper collection continue through the holidays and beyond.”
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, the recycled paper contributes to the employment of nearly 50 employees who live, work and contribute to the local Springfield economy.
“The response to this challenge shows how committed our community is to recycling and the environment,” said Sarah Zych, Purina factory manager. “Thank you to everyone who participated and helped achieve this impressive milestone. We are proud to produce sustainable products like Yesterday’s News right here in Springfield.”
Yesterday’s News cat litter was introduced in 1987 to provide cat owners with a litter alternative. Made with recycled paper, Yesterday’s News clumping and non-clumping litters take items that have the potential to end up in the waste stream and turn them into cat litter. The eco-friendly litter is healthy for cats, homes and our world. To learn more, visit purina.com/yesterdaysnews.
To learn more about recycling resources and opportunities in Springfield, visit springfieldmo.gov/recycling or call the recycling hotline at 417-864-1904.
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For media inquiries, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected] or Nestlé Purina PetCare Company representative Michael Zerman at 314-982-4875 or [email protected].