Contact: Eileen Kao, 240-777-6406;
Eleanor Walker, 240-777-6446
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2001
Duncan Announces Recycling Task Force;
Local Corporate Leaders
To Address Increased Recycling Methods
Following up on a commitment to address ways to increase recycling within the local business community, County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today announced formation of a Recycling Task Force composed of representatives from some of the largest employers in the County.
Speaking at the County’s Recycling Awareness Week Awards Luncheon in Rockville, Duncan said that when the 2000 year-end recycling figures showed lower rates for the business sector, he planned to “call on some of the local business leaders who have successful recycling programs and ask them to share their expertise and success stories.”
In addition, the Task Force will assist in identifying issues, barriers and opportunities affecting commercial recycling and work toward improvements and serve as a focus group to preview initiatives.
At the end of 2000, the business sector was recycling at a rate of 29 percent and multi-family properties at 11 percent, compared to 52 percent for the residential population. The County has a goal of recycling 50 percent of its waste stream.
“We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to maximize recycling in the commercial sector,” Duncan said. Representatives of multi-family property management companies will serve on the task force, a factor officials hope will help increase rates in that sector, as well.
The Recycling Awareness Awards Luncheon, sponsored by the County’s Division of Solid Waste Services, recognized more than 50 business, schools, organizations, multi-family properties and individuals who have made outstanding achievements in recycling.
Among the businesses receiving Recycler of the Year Awards were: Smith Lithograph of Rockville that reported a recycling rate of 98 percent, highest among all companies honored for the second consecutive year; Potomac Electric Power Company Service Center in Rockville that recycled at a 95 percent rate, Rockville Mailing Service, with a rate of 81 percent, and the American Postal Workers Union Health Plan in Silver Spring, recycling at a rate of 80 percent.
Individuals receiving awards for their Contribution to Recycling Excellence were Gregory Bassett of the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Sally O’Brien, Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Gaithersburg, 6th grader Zachary Russ of Takoma Park Middle School, and Paul Scott of Beall Elementary School, Rockville.
Receiving awards for Most Improved Recycling Programs were: Royce Doctor, an employee of Ledo’s Pizza in Germantown, the Nellis Corporation of Rockville that manages two shopping centers – Festival at Muddy Branch and Germantown Square; The Magic Cue in Germantown, and Rockville Center at 255 Rockville Pike.
In a new category this year, seven multi-family properties were recognized with Excellence in Recycling awards: Aspenwood Retirement Community, Silver Spring; Barclay Apartments, Chevy Chase; Chevy Chase Lake Apartments, North; The Colony at Germantown; Hampton Point Apartment Homes, Silver Spring; The Irene, Chevy Chase; and Randolph Square Apartments, Rockville.
Twelve public schools received “Love Your Planet” Recycler of the Year Awards for strong, effective, innovative recycling programs and nine businesses were recognized for Outstanding Achievement in recycling for achieving 42 to 49 percent rates. For more information on the County’s recycling programs, contact the Division of Solid Waste Services at 240-777-6400.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of companies invited to serve on the Recycling Task Force is below. A complete list of award winners is available by e-mail from the Public Information Office. To request this list, contact Bonnie Ayers at 240-777-6536 or bonnie.ayers@montgomerycountymd.gov.