Winners of UBC Recycling Challenge Announced

The recycling challenge pits cities of comparable sizes in a competition of creativity and execution, offering money to the cities that conduct the most innovative campaigns and collect the most UBCs. During October 2009, more than 40 cities collected more than 125 million UBCs.

The 2009 campaign categories were modified to improve opportunities for smaller-size cities and encourage more innovative campaigns to promote recycling. The Most Cans Collected category was determined by the ratio of the city population to the total pounds of cans recycled. 

The winners of the $5,000 awards for the most aluminum cans recycled are:

•First Place: Milwaukee, WI

•Second Place: Mobile, AL

•Third Place: Fontana, CA

•Fourth Place: Bowling Green, KY

To spurn innovation and creativity in local initiatives, a $5,000 prize rewarded originality in public education and awareness campaigns. Winners used the funds to further their recycling efforts. The top three cities recognized for the Most Innovative Ideas in 2009 are: 

•First Place: Irvine, CA

•Second Place: Canfield, OH

•Third Place: Wellington, FL

Additionally, the Challenge rewarded creative partnerships between cities and local affiliates of Keep America Beautiful. The campaign awards the winning city $5,000 and the local KAB affiliate $2,500.

•First Place: Montgomery, AL

•Second Place: LaGrange, GA

•Third Place: Angleton, TX

•Fourth Place: Newport News, VA