2006 - 2007 Award Winners

Now, picture each visitor having a soda or a bottle of water. Imagine weekly supply shipments delivered in cardboard boxes. Think of the vegetables that are packaged in steel cans and buffet food served in aluminum steam trays. Opportunities to recycle abound across the park and Montgomery Bell is answering the challenge and setting the pace for recycling in the State Park System.

Park Manager Pat Wright said the park began recycling at least fifteen years ago, describing the first recycling effort as collecting aluminum cans at the picnic shelters. After the Inn was remodeled the park looked at the recycling program and decided that it could be expanded. Receptacles were placed around the park to collect aluminum and plastic beverage containers. This allowed the offices, campgrounds, conference facility, pro shop, and ranger residences to participate. Using three wire mesh trailers they also began recycling cardboard at the inn, the golf course, and the maintenance shop.

Recycling really took off at the golf course. They placed recycling bins where golf carts are returned and the golf course volunteers handle the recyclables that are left in the carts. Golf course maintenance staff also remove recyclables from the trashcans located throughout the course. The golfers have access to the recycling bins and many of the golf course regulars are dedicated recyclers. All of the cardboard from the golf operation is recycled as well. Because of the success of the recycling program at the pro shop, the golf course began taking the lead on the park’s recycling program.

Seeing the volume of the materials that could be collected, Mike Massey and Derrick Webster wanted to expand the program. They knew that more material could be captured from across the park, but worried that the extra volume would be more than the current system could handle. A new recycling area was sited adjacent to the golf course maintenance shop. The area was leveled and covered in gravel. Bays were constructed to sort and store the food cans, aluminum, plastic bottles, and cardboard. A baler was installed and a small shed was constructed around it to protect it from the elements.

Baled recyclables are picked-up by recycling vendors, alleviating the park of the time consuming task of bringing the materials to a county recycling center. The Office of Environmental Assistance worked with the park to purchase the equipment using monies from the Solid Waste Management Fund. The revenue generated from selling the recyclables will return to the park after the cost of the baler is reimbursed to the fund. Montgomery Bell will likely repay the cost of the baler in less than five years. When asked about the recycling program Derrick said, “Earth’s natural resources are being depleted, so as stewards of 3,500 plus acres we are always looking for ways to be environmentally conscientious. We should all be doing something to give back.”

The quantity of recyclables coming from the Inn grew in the past year as well. Inn Manager Pam Barfield says that broadening the recycling program has been a positive experience. “Sometimes when we introduce a new program the staff can be a little resistant. That hasn’t been the case with recycling. They have been so willing to take the extra steps- like flattening boxes and rinsing cans. It has been a really good thing to see everyone so involved. Our supply truck comes every Tuesday and Friday, so cardboard has to be processed at least twice a week. Everyone here is really willing to make sure that the recyclables are properly processed, sorted, stored.”

Some product changes have increased the amount of material that can be recycled from the kitchen. Many condiments like mayonnaise, olives, and salad dressing that were once packaged in glass now come in easily recyclable, plastic bottles. In addition to the condiments the kitchen also recycles milk jugs, aluminum steam trays, steel food cans, and cardboard. Keeping the process running smoothly means training new hires on the process. Restaurant employee Jesse Tipping has been active in keeping the new staff trained on the recycling program, explaining that the steel cans have to be rinsed and both ends removed, cardboard has to be flattened and kept dry, and the plastic, steel, aluminum, and cardboard are each gathered separately.

Park visitors are an integral component in the recycling program. They use the bins across the park- picnic areas, campgrounds, conference center, etc. to recycle their aluminum cans and plastic beverage bottles. Cardboard boxes left in meeting rooms and guest rooms by the guests are recycled as well. Further program expansion may include a small recycling station when the new cabins are completed and adding steel can recycling at the campgrounds and group camp. Park maintenance staff pick up the recycling from these locations and bring it to the park recycling center.

At their shop, the maintenance staff utilizes the standard cardboard and beverage container recycling, but also recycle and reuse specialized materials. They work on mowers, tractors, and vehicles used on the park and recycle the related wastes- lead acid batteries, antifreeze, used oil, oil filters, and the plastic bottles the oil and antifreeze are packaged in. In addition to recycling, they also take reuse very seriously. When buildings are remodeled they salvage usable parts like plumbing fixtures and fittings, appliances, and building materials. Maintenance Supervisor Carl Buckner enjoys participating in recycling and reuse activities, saying, “Conservation is the reason we’re all in the parks system. Reducing the amount of waste we landfill gives the staff and the visitors a way to contribute.”

Mr. Wright praised the entire the park staff, saying, “Having all the operations- the natural side, the golf course, the resort operations, and park maintenance- participating in the program has really been the key to the success. All of our people have been very committed to the program.” Although Montgomery Bell recycles for the same reasons as other groups- conserving natural resources, reducing their trash hauling costs, and possibly generating a little revenue- their level of commitment and pride in their program is what really sets them apart.

Christina Treglia is an environmental specialist with the Office of Environmental Assistance and president of the Tennessee Recycling Coalition.

The Individual Recycler of the Year is Nancy Underwood

Mrs. Nancy Underwood does not deserve to be recognized as Recycler of the Year. She deserves to be recognized as Recycler of a Lifetime.

A rare soul in today’s society, Nancy is a woman of conviction, a woman of values, and a woman who confidently speaks and works for those things and causes which she deems valuable. In her eighty-five years of life Nancy has highly valued the act of recycling, and in placing such esteem upon this behavior which has such great economic and environmental benefits, Nancy has been one of Coffee County’s most valuable citizens!

When Nancy joined the Keep Coffee County Beautiful (KCCB) board of directors in 1992, she appointed herself to the recycling committee and began to establish what would quickly become notable and effective recycling programs within the community. She instituted an annual recycling contest in each of the county’s elementary schools. She helped to institute a program at a local junior high called “Trashinators” that was later adopted/immulated by neighbor junior high schools. Nancy grew to be in charge of assuring that the annual county fair was a “Litter Free Fair.” She recruited area high school students to collect litter during the week of the fair and supervised the placement of recycling receptacles on the fairgrounds. Most noteworthy, however, is Nancy’s work at the Coffee County Recycling Center.

Nancy has always led by example, and this characteristic became most apparent during the time when she was the “queen bee” of the Coffee County Recycling Center—where she became a common fixture and friend to all recyclers. Nancy would stand guard at the gate each time the center was open and despite the weather conditions, supervising all recyclers and bluntly giving instruction and/or correction. She was allergic to bees and had lots of allergies, but if she suspected someone of having brought a bottle or can that had not been rinsed, she would climb up on her step stool with rake in hand and dig in the dumpster until she found the contaminated item. She also appointed herself “inspector” of the recyclables. If she found any contaminated items before they were placed in the dumpster, she would load them in her trunk, take them home to wash them, and then bring them back the next time the Recycling Center was open. One KCCB board member commented with amusement, “She worked her butt off—and she was in her seventies!”

At each of the KCCB board meetings, Nancy would bring handouts displaying that month’s results at the Recycling Center and at the school’s recycling contests. She viewed her place on the recycling committee as a very serious one. She was intent upon making a difference in Coffee County’s mindset toward recycling, and in a day when it’s so common for one to become overstretched and overcommitted, she is to be commended.

A retired math teacher, Nancy was always eager to give recycling facts, figures, and statistics to anyone who would listen. Because of her background, she understood the value of education and would often pay her own way to Keep Tennessee Beautiful and Tennessee Recycling Coalition conferences in order to self-educate and thus have more knowledge to share with others in hopes of persuading them of the necessity of recycling.

Because of declining health, Mrs. Underwood and her husband are in the process of relocating to an assisted living facility. Her involvement with KCCB has recently ceased, and her absence has left a void impossible to ignore! I have checked-in on her a few times in the past months to let her know that we are thinking of and missing her. Each time she has taken the opportunity to confront me with questions like “Who’s working with the kids in the schools?” and “Are you in the science classes teaching about recycling?” Filled with desire to love and protect the natural resources of this land, she wants and expects others to step-up and adopt the recycling way-of-life that she displayed for us all.

In anticipation of her relocation, Nancy returned to me some literature and materials that she faithfully distributed during each of her years of service on the KCCB board of directors. I walked her to her car as she was leaving my office, and the parking lot happened to be particularly littered that day. Disregarding our conversation, she didn’t hesitate to stoop for almost ten minutes to pick up the litter in her path. When finally finished, she handed me her arm-full of garbage and said, “You won’t mind to throw that away for me.” A bit baffled—I must admit—I agreed to do so, and I wished her well as I began to walk away. She hollered back at me before she closed her car door, though—“Be sure you recycle that Pepsi can. It doesn’t belong in the garbage!”

The Non-Profit Recycler of the Year is Goodwill Industries Knoxville

Goodwill Industries Knoxville is a non-profit serving a 15 county service area of East Tennessee. Goodwill Knoxville has been recycling for many years as the contract operator of the drop off recycle centers for the City Of Knoxville and more recently Knox County. Three years ago Goodwill of Knoxville purchased the Materials Recycling Center at Russellville that served Morristown and Hamblen County. At that time they began expanding into more commercial/industrial recycling as well. The Materials Recycling Facility also serves as a training facility for consumers served in job training programs through Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Goodwill should be considered for the “Recycler of the year Award” for a number of reasons. I believe the accomplishments from 2006 are more than enough to earn Goodwill the award of “Recycler Of The Year”

This year Goodwill increased the amount of tonnage recycled by almost 16% YTD. That’s an increase from 9.4 million pounds last year to a projected 10.9 million pounds for 2006.

Goodwill has added 15 new industrial and commercial recycle accounts and are now serving 60 commercial/industrial customers.

Goodwill has upgraded with replacement of glass crusher and additional equipment added.

They have expanded the commercial/industrial program by adding material handling equipment and an additional truck to serve additional recycle services.

Goodwill assisted Grainger County in establishing their first recycle program with 8 drop off centers to serve the county.

Established a second Materials Recycling Facility at the Grainger County Landfill to service the Grainger County Program

Assisted Walters State Community College in establishing a campus recycle program beginning in September and furnished containers for classrooms in cooperation with Rock-Tenn Recycling

Obtained a grant from TDEC to replace equipment and upgrade programs

Goodwill has also been a big player in assisting with recycling education.

Goodwill assisted Morristown-Hamblen KAB in conducting school coordinator training for teachers.

Furnished in cooperation with Rock-Tenn Recycling, containers for Hamblen County schools for paper recycling

Assisted Morristown-Hamblen KAB in conducting a training seminar on Industrial Waste Auditing for Business and Industry and will be conducting a second session this fall.

Conducts regular school tours of the recycling facility

Assisted Hamblen County in the development of an educational brochure distributed to the 25,000 residences served by the Solid Waste/Recycle trucks.

Among these accomplishments, Goodwill has also conducted several other recycling drives/events

Goodwill conducted 2 computer recycle drives in conjunction with Knoxville/Knox County governments, civic clubs, and 5R Processors.

They are working with Morristown-Hamblen KAB to hold a recycle drive in Morristown.

Worked with Morristown-Hamblen KAB to hold a student recycle drive in the schools

Goodwill has also furnished staff to assist with the yearly event Earth Fest in Knoxville

The School (K-12) Recycler of the Year is Highland Park Elementary School’s Recycling Program

Highland Park Elementary is a multi-cultural K-5 school located in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, and is part of Maury County Public school System.

Principal Wanda Dunn initially started the recycling program about 10 years ago. She recognized the availability and worth of the untapped aluminum can resource, both at school and at students’ homes. The last Wednesday of every month is aluminum can recycling day when students can bring in bags of cans from home. Some churches are also saving cans for Highland Park. There is a dedicated storage room at the back of the school, and cans are transported shortly after the collection.

The funds recouped from recycling aluminum cans have been dedicated to purchasing Accelerated Reader books, CD-ROMs, and DVDs for the library. With a student body of approximately 375 children, the recycling program generates an average of $1,000/year.

For the first several years, Principal Dunn herself transported the cans to the recycler. In 2004, the PTO took responsibility and found a parent volunteer with a pick-up truck to provide the transportation. This duth is giver to a different parent volunteer each year.

The program is promoted in several ways:

School newspaper has a reminder notice to parents

An announcement is made on the PA toe day before the collection

The marquis sign in front of the school advertises the recycling day

A monthly competition takes place between homerooms with a pizza or popcorn party sponsored by the PTO for the room that brings in the most cans

Homeroom teachers collect the cans that students bring and put them in 30-gallon trash bags, which is the unit of measure for the competition.

Highland Park teacher Mary Hamilton signed up for TDEC’s Green Schools Program in 2004 and expressed interest in expanding the recycling program to include paper and cardboard. Maury County Solid Waste Department received a Recycling Equipment grant in 2004 to put dumpsters and indoor collection containers in four pilot schools. Ms. Hamilton formed a Recycling Team of 5th graders that are responsible for collection the school paper. These students watch the film “On the Road to Recycling” which highlights several industries in Tennessee that make products from recycled materials. They also wear special tee shirts that they designed.

In fall 2006, new containers for plastic drink bottles were added to the recycling program. The Solid Waste Department has now purchased another small dumpster for recycling steel cans from the school cafeteria, which will soon be in use and will complete the collection of all possible recyclables from Highland Park. The Solid Waste Department picks up the school’s mixed paper, cardboard, plastic and steel cans. There is no monetary reward for the school for recycling these commodities, but the school benefits by having less waste going to the landfill and a reduction in solid waste disposal fees. In addition, recycling has become part of the children’s daily routine, establishing good environmental stewardship at a young age. Some families have started recycling at home as a result of the programs a Highland Park Elementary.

The school also recycles printer ink jet cartridges and cell phones, which the send to ERS-Imaging Company as a fundraiser. This program is augmented through participation from school families and has educated the students about the hazards of cell phone disposal in the landfill.

The Recycling Team at Highland Park is rewarded with an annual end-of-year field trip. Last spring, they visited the aluminum smelting plant in Mt. Pleasant where they saw the conversion of their recycled cans into ingots of aluminum that are transported to another company to make new cans. They also visited The Book Publishing Company in Summertown where all books are made with 100% recycled paper. They learned about organic gardening and composting after enjoying a vegetarian meal with ice cream make from soymilk. They also saw a car that runs exclusively on sued cooking oil. Students in the younger grades really look forward to being a 5th grader so they can be on the Recycling Team.

This fall, Highland Park Elementary was one of the top ten recyclers in Eastman’s Good Sports Always Recycle contest.



Awards Category and Criteria Table

Award Category	Judging Criteria
Government Recycler of the Year Award Presented to a local, regional or state governmental agency, which has instituted comprehensive waste prevention and recycling programs.	Involves an extensive or unique population base in the program. Achieves significant waste stream diversion and/or diversion of newly marketable materials. Describes practical and successful program methodologies for collection. Demonstrates ability of program to be modeled in other communities.
Non-Profit Recycler of the Year Award Presented to a nonprofit organization; such as an environmental group, university, church, or hospital, that has had significant impact in its community through leadership and program development.	Impacts waste diversion in the community. Describes marketing success or recyclables, material diversion, or other unique program attributes to capture recyclable materials. Shows educational success of a program. Demonstrates ability of program to be modeled in other communities.
Business Recycler of the Year Award Presented to a business that practices outstanding leadership in waste prevention and recycling in their region or field.	Describes comprehensiveness of recycling and waste prevention. Shows volume of material recycled and types of recyclable waste streams captured.
School (K-12) Recycler of the Year Award Presented to a school that has established a comprehensive system of waste prevention, recycling, and other environmental programs.	Describes practical and successful program methodology Demonstrates ability of programs to be modeled by other schools. Shows educational components of the program and the success derived from educational efforts.
Individual Recycler of the Year Award Presented to an individual that practices outstanding leadership in waste prevention and recycling in their region or field.	Demonstrates success of waste prevention/recycling efforts, in terms of numbers of people affected, tonnage diverted, new programs initiated and other measures. Illustrates positive impact individually has had on his/her community, institution or field.

File No: 1594