Recycling Allies Meet at Atlanta Zoo

A paper company, an aluminum company, a plastics organization and a beverage firm have combined their efforts in a pilot recycling collection program at Zoo Atlanta.

SP Recycling Corp. (a subsidiary of SP Newsprint), aluminum producer Novelis Inc., the American Plastics Council and the Coca-Cola Co. are working together to place collection bins throughout the zoo to collect paper as well as both plastic bottles and metal cans.

A spokesperson from SP Recycling Corp. notes that production facilities serving all of the industries can provide a waiting home for all collected recyclables. “Everybody knows that recycling is good for the environment,” says SP’s Lisa White. “We want to get the word out that recycling plays a vital role in our state and is good for Georgia business. Our Dublin, Ga., mill needs 850,000 tons of old newspapers each year to keep our paper machines rolling.”

Likewise, Novelis melts aluminum used beverage containers (UBCs) at its Greensboro, Ga., plant and the state’s carpeting, textiles and plastic lumber industries consume plastic scrap. The Coca-Cola Co., based in Atlanta, is a consumer of metals, plastic and paper products.

Gary Wygant, Director of Recycling for Novelis, also based in Atlanta, says he is hopeful the multi-material collection model and partnership taking place in Atlanta can be replicated in other parts of the country.