AFPA Launches Recycling Awards

The American Forest & Paper Association announced the launch of three recycling awards to recognize individuals, businesses and communities for outstanding recycling efforts. 

AF&PA established these awards to support the paper industry's continuing efforts to increase the recovery of high-quality paper for recycling and achieve its aggressive goal to recover 55 percent of all paper consumed in the U.S. by 2012.

The Ed Hurley Memorial Paper Recycling Award was created to recognize individuals who have had a significant and positive influence in advocating paper recycling.  Through his work at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation and his tireless service to AF&PA, Ed Hurley was actively involved in the paperboard, containerboard, and recycling industries for 35 years. 

Nominees can include paper industry employees, state legislators, elected or appointed public officials, municipal recyclers, lobbyists, and individuals in the public/private sector who have had a positive influence on recycling.

The 2005 AF&PA Business Leadership Recycling Awards will recognize businesses that increase paper recovery and recycling through educational, innovative, and cost-effective programs and partnerships.  An award, including a $2,000 monetary prize, will be given in two separate categories: large businesses (more than 150 employees), and small businesses (fewer than 150 employees).

The 2005 AF&PA Community Recycling Awards will recognize communities that have successfully implemented paper recovery and recycling programs that can serve as role models for other cities.  An award, including a $2,000 monetary prize, will be given to the most outstanding community (city or county) of more than 100,000 residents, and also to the outstanding community of fewer than 100,000 residents.

For detailed information about the awards and judging criteria, visit www.afandpa.org/recycling. Award applications are due by January 15, 2005.   Award winners will be announced on April 2005.