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Knox County Mayor's Office

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Drew Thurman                                                            May 5, 2009
215-5821 office

Knox County Announces Master Recycler Task Force

Knoxville, Tenn. — The Knox County Department of Solid Waste has announced that it has created the Master Recycler Task Force. The primary focus of the task force over the coming months will be to create a recycling certification program, which they anticipate launching in late 2009.

According to Tom Salter, Director of the Knox County Solid Waste Department, "There is significant interest in recycling in Knox County." In fact, in 2008, recycling in Knox County grew by more than 15%. The Solid Waste Department last year collected roughly 4,000 tons of recycled materials, which resulted in a savings for the County of $90,000 from diverted landfill expenses.

Salter noted that with this growing interest, there is a ongoing need for more people who have in-depth knowledge about the complete recycling process, including contamination and disposal issues. "With this program, we hope to create some local experts with knowledge about our particular recycling situation and the market realities here in Knox County. These local experts can help educate our citizens and promote recycling. The more we can educate, the more tax dollars we can save.”

The following individuals who have specific subject matter knowledge are the initial members of the Master Recycler Task Force:

Drew Thurman, Knox County Solid Waste
Neal Denton, UT Extension Knox County Director
Sabrina DeVault, Ijams Nature Center
John Homa, City of Knoxville
Derek Senter, Rock Tenn
Jay Price, UT Environmental Coordinator
Brian O'Banion, SP Newsprint
Allison Teeters, Keep Knoxville Beautiful
Nathan Bailey, Knoxville Recycling Coalition
Micah Reynolds, Knoxville Recycling Coalition
Meredith Leahy, ALCOA

To develop the certification curriculum, the task force will:

· Review the Master Gardener framework as a model for recycling.

· Identify goals, strategies, and networks for maintaining a successful sustainable program.

· Identify and review other recycling certification programs.

· Develop the requirements or conditions that merit recycling certification.

· Tailor a curriculum specific to Knox County.

· Identify target groups for enrollment (individuals, businesses, organizations)

· Develop programs to reach target groups.