News Flash

MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: Customer appreciation in celebration of America Recycles Day

WHEN: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19

WHERE:  All City recycling centers - Lone Pine Avenue (3020 S. Lone Pine Ave.), Franklin Avenue (731 N. Franklin Ave.), and Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119) 

More about the event:

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 19, City solid waste division staff will be on-hand at City recycling drop-off centers to hand out free giveaways in celebration of America Recycles Day and in appreciation of recycling. Recycling stickers, magnets and recycling bins will be provided at the Lone Pine Recycling Center (3020 S. Lone Pine Ave.), Franklin Avenue Recycling Center (731 N. Franklin Ave.) and Yardwaste Recycling Center (3790 S. Farm Road 119) while supplies last.  

“Unfortunately, Nov. 15 – America Recycles Day – this year landed on a Monday, when City recycling centers are generally closed,” explains Market Development Coordinator Ashley Krug. “But we’re thrilled to provide an opportunity to say 'thank you' to our dedicated recyclers this Friday.”  

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.

“The recycling bins were provided to us from our glass recycling partners at Ripple Glass in celebration of our decade-long partnership with them,” says Krug. “This is just a small way of saying thank you to our dedicated recyclers. It’s also a great opportunity for our staff to connect with citizens, provide education and resources and share ideas.”  

Additional recycling activities this week:

NEW Waste Wizard online recycling database

Environmental Services’ solid waste division recently launched the Waste Wizard, a searchable online tool aimed at connecting citizens to a wealth of recycling and donation options in Springfield. Type an item or keyword into the search bar and the Wizard will provide a list of locations in the area where that item is accepted for recycling or disposal.  

“So many items end up in the landfill that could have easily been recycled or repurposed by a local source in Springfield,” explains Krug. “The Waste Wizard is an easy-to-use platform to help citizens not only sort their waste properly, but to find the highest and best use for products that can be repurposed, reused or recycled when options are available.” 

Access the Waste Wizard and learn more about recycling in Springfield by visiting springfieldmo.gov/recycling. 

“Microplastic Madness” virtual movie screening and community conversation

Adults and families alike are invited to enjoy a special “EnviroFlick” movie series virtual screening of “Microplastic Madness,” available for at-home viewing Nov. 10-17. The week of movie watching will culminate in a virtual Community Conversation event with film director Debby Lee Cohen, 7-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18. Debby will be joined by local water quality experts Brent Stock, James River Basin Partnership executive director and Carrie Lamb, water quality compliance officer for the City of Springfield.

“Microplastic Madness” is a documentary film featuring an optimistic take on the local and global plastic pollution crisis as told through an urban youth point of view. The film follows fifth grade students in Brooklyn, New York, as they spend two years investigating the root causes of plastic pollution and take action to encourage change at their school. 

Those interested in viewing are encouraged to complete an online registration form. After signing up, a followup email will be sent with a link to the movie and a Zoom link to participate in the Community Conversation on Nov. 18. There is no charge to participate.

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For more information, contact Communication Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or [email protected].