PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
October 23, 2009 JASON SILVA, CHIEF OF STAFF
978-619-5603
Recycling Pays Off for South Salem Neighborhood
SALEM, MA – To reward and promote recycling in Salem neighborhood’s and increase recycling rates citywide, Northside Carting in partnership with SalemRecycles is sponsoring a “recycling route competition” for the route (day of the week) with the most improved percentage of recycling. Each quarter, the daily route with the largest percentage improvement in recycling will receive a tree donated by NSC and planted by the City’s DPS department within the route’s geographical area.
Initially conceived in January 2009 by Northside Carting, the contest tracks Monday through Friday recycling route collection. Each day of the work week represents a different geographical area (routes can be viewed at http://salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_Recycling/trashroutemap.pdf). For the first quarter of the contest Wednesday’s trash route showed the largest recycling percentage increase of 2.3% over the previous quarter. This past quarter Friday’s trash route showed the largest recycling percentage increase of 29% over the previous quarter, a tremendous improvement.
The Department of Public Services Director Richard Rennard evaluated the Loring Avenue location and chose a honey locust tree to plant. The tree planting will take place on Monday November 2 at 2pm at 169 Loring Avenue, and includes participation from Northside Carting, SalemRecycles, Mayor Driscoll, Councilor O’Keefe, and Rick Rennard.
Statistics show that for each ton of paper recycled 17 trees are saved from destruction. Over the last year, Salem residents have recycled over 1,700 tons of paper; thereby saving nearly 30,000 trees. Paper collected in Salem is recycled within 30 to 60 days into cereal boxes, books, and other paper products.
“This quarter’s contest shows a dramatic improvement in our neighborhood’s recycling rates” states Liz Vago, chair of SalemRecycles.
To learn more about the recycling route competition and how you can help win a tree for your neighborhood, please contact the Engineering Department at 978-619-5679.
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