Summer 2012: Battle of the Bottles
Cans, Paper & Plastics, too!
American Disposal Services, Inc. partnered with the Herndon Environmental Network’s “Battle of the Bottles” project which launched on July 1, 2012.
In an effort to increase recycling participation and awareness, two Herndon neighborhoods, Hastings Hunt and McNair Farms Landbay 2, battled against one another for the highest percent increase of recycled material over the month of July. American Disposal Services weighed the recycling materials collected from each neighborhood on a weekly basis in order to determine the winners.
To prepare residents for the competition, volunteers from the Herndon Environmental Network distributed educational materials provided by American Disposal Services to all residents that included information on the proper materials that can go in residents’ recycling bins as well as information about the competition.
To continue the “green” theme, Meadows Farms Nurseries, offered a $500.00 gift card which will go towards purchasing new trees, plants and flowers for the winning neighborhood. Residents will have the opportunity to gather together to celebrate all their hard work by participating in a gardening event hosted by the Herndon Environmental Group, American Disposal Services and Meadows Farms.
About the Groups Involved
The Herndon Environmental Network (HEN) was founded six months ago by a group of citizens concerned about environmental issues globally and in the community. Their mission is to improve the environment through education, initiatives and advocacy in the greater Herndon area. Find out more about the Herndon Environmental Network online at herndonenvironment.com.
Meadows Farms Nurseries have been providing the local area with the best quality plants and landscaping services for over 50 years. The nursery provides any and all products related to planting and landscaping for both your lawn and garden.
The Results
After one month of collecting and tracking recyclables, American Disposal proudly announced the winner on August 6, 2012.
With a total percentage increase of 18% the winner was:
McNair Farms Landbay 2!
American Disposal Services could not be more proud of the response from both communities and their willingness to participate in the Battle of the Bottles program.
The primary reason for this signifcant increase can be attributed to the educational and outreach efforts of HEN and American Disposal Services. Residents from this community were previously unaware of all of the things that could be put into their recycling bins. Raising the awareness amongst the community was critical.
While Hastings Hunt did not see a significant increase in their recycling participation, both the community and ADS realized that the residents had ‘outgrown’ their current collection equipment. As a result, representatives from both groups are in the negotiation process of getting larger, covered wheeled carts for the collection of these materials with the hopes that an increase in collection will be achieved.
Interested in hosting your own ‘Battle of the Bottles’ in your community or office?
Let us know at AmericanENews@gmail.com We’d love to get you recycling as much and as often as possible!
