AF&PA Kicks-Off 2010 Recycling Awards Contest

WASHINGTON—The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has launched its 2010 Recycling Awards program and invited the nation’s business, community, and school paper recycling programs to compete for national recognition.

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 http://paperrecycles.org Web site. Winners will also receive a cash prize and a piece of original framed artwork.

Visit http://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.