Recycling Grant Opportunity

I saw this press release today. This may be a way to supplement our recycling initiative, using some of the data and grant info that's already been generated. It's a source of private recycling bins and expertise that won't require taxpayer money.

Deadline, though, is Oct. 17 -- not much time.


Washington DC, September 22, 2008 -- Coca-Cola and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) today announced the third round of their recycling bin grant program designed to promote and support community recycling in the U.S. Through this innovative grant, recipients have the benefit of both the donated recycling bins and the expertise on how to set up recycling programs from the National Recycling Coalition. Grants will be provided for recycle bins at sporting events, music venues, schools and commercial locations. The grant program is part of Coca-Cola’s $60 million investment in recycling programs and initiatives in the U.S.

“We are excited to again partner with Coca-Cola to offer the recycling bin grant program to communities and businesses,” said Anjia Nicolaidis, deputy director of the National Recycling Coalition. “The program is designed to increase recycling rates across the country by helping to off-set the initial costs of recycling bins.”

The bin grant program leverages the purchasing power and expertise of the NRC and Coca-Cola to provide more recycling bins than would be possible if grant recipients were to purchase bins independently. The NRC also will contact grantees to offer guidance on setting up their recycling program and assessing recycling bin needs. NRC bin suppliers will then deliver bins directly to the recipients. Since its inception in the fall of 2007, the Bin Grant program has placed more than 5,700 recycling bins in 150 communities in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Recipients have included municipalities, colleges, Native American tribes, and community organizations.

The grant program is open to cities, governments and schools as well as non-profit groups and for-profit companies. Interested parties may apply for the grant
during spring and fall application periods at: http://bingrant.org/. The current submittal period is open through Friday, October 17^th. Grant recipients will be announced on America Recycles Day, November 15. Eligible grant activities include recycling programs at schools, universities, public parks and recreational facilities, sporting and cultural venues and events and commercial locations.

“Coca-Cola has a long history of designing packages that are recyclable and resource efficient and that have a high end-use value,” said Scott Vitters, director of sustainable packaging, The Coca-Cola Company. “We hope the bin grant program will further encourage communities to make recycling readily available as we work to continue to close the loop on our packages as well as other valuable recyclables.”

About the NRC
The NRC is a national, non-profit advocacy group with members that span all aspects of waste reduction, reuse and recycling in North America. NRC’s objective is to eliminate waste and promote sustainable economies though advancing sound management practices for raw materials in North America. NRC works with its members and partners to sponsor programs and stakeholder forums that provide tools and nurture solutions for the recycling industry. Breaking new ground in how Americans think about waste, the Coalition is a strong and clear voice for recycling. For more information about the NRC please visit http://www.nrc-recycle.org/.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.