Churches, schools, towns and anyone planning major special events in Porter County can encourage their guests to recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles by using recycling event containers, provided free of charge by the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
The district lends out ClearStream recycling collection containers that can be placed next to garbage cans in high traffic areas at events. The district even supplies the clear plastic bags that fit into the collection containers.
“When presented with the option to recycle their waste, most guests choose to do the right thing,” said Therese Davis, executive director of the district. “Organizations without a supply of recycling containers or the money to purchase them need only borrow ours.”
In 2010, Indiana Dunes State Park experienced a 300 percent increase in recycling when it offered event containers alongside trash receptacles. In 2010, the district loaned 309 recycling containers for events around the county.
By allowing event guests to separate their waste, organizations can help prevent large amounts of waste from ending up in landfills.
To rent the containers, call the district, 219-465-3695, at least four weeks prior to the event to confirm the availability of the number of ClearStream containers necessary. Once reserved, renters can download a reservation agreement from the district’s website, www.itmeanstheworld.org, sign the form and return it into the district.
More information on the program is available on the district’s website, www.itmeanstheworld.org.