Mike Leavitt, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator, announced a new program that targets boosting the recycling levels at shopping centers throughout the United States. The announcement was made during at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Spring Conference in Las Vegas
Called America’s Marketplace Recycles!, the new initiative plans to target waste streams, including corrugated cardboard packaging, wood pallets, plastic packaging, paper, food court waste (glass, metal and plastic beverage containers, and food waste) and yard waste.
“Shopping centers are a magnet for young people, so what better place to teach our youth the value of recycling,” said Leavitt. “By recycling their own waste and at the same time making it easier for customers to recycle, the International Council of Shopping Centers is setting a high standard for improving the environment.”
AMR! Also encourages shopping centers and retailers to recycle construction and demolition debris from renovations and expansions, and whenever possible, to use products containing recycled content.
The AMR! initiative provides incentives to participate in the program by offering a series of awards that recognize significant recycling and waste prevention efforts.
The first AMR! awards will be presented at ICSC’s 2005 Spring Convention for: Best New Recycling Program; Expansion of an Existing Recycling Program; Outstanding Retailer; Outstanding Mall Owner/Developer; Public Awareness Campaign/Promotional Event; Community Partnership/Beneficial Use of Funds; and Innovative Recycling Program. A single outstanding program will be selected by the judging panel to receive the “Recycler of the Year” Award.