Recycolumbus

Special Advertising Section

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■

Recycling — easy and affordable Our residents asked for it, and now Columbus is making residential recycling convenient at no additional cost.

In preparation for our City’s 200th birthday, we surveyed Columbus residents.

They identified residential recycling as their top priority. Now that the program is underway, we’re saving resources, keeping materials out of the landfill, and creat-

ing and retaining jobs.

With your participation, Columbus will be known as one of the greenest cities in America. One person or family really can make a difference with each recycled can, bottle and

carton that is kept out of the landfill.

Thank you for your interest in recycling. When you fill up the blue cart

with recyclable items, you’re helping Columbus become a more sustainable community for all who live here plus future generations.

Sincerely, Michael B. Coleman Mayor, City of Columbus

Residents embrace citywide recycling program When the RecyColumbus program began earlier this year, there were few doubts that the program was going to be a success.

For years, Columbus residents had voiced their strong support for residential recycling.

Now it is here and the biweekly program that alternates Columbus City Council members from left to right: Michelle with yard-waste col- M. Mills, A. Troy Miller, Priscilla R. Tyson, President Andrew J. lection, gives residents Ginther, Hearcel F. Craig, Zachary M. Klein, and Eileen Y. Paley. a chance to do someIf you and your family are already putthing good for the environment and help ting the blue cart to good use, please keep reduce landfill costs for the community. up the great work.

Columbus residents have embraced the If you live in a neighborhood that has program enthusiastically. yet to begin residential recycling, you have Columbus neighborhoods in the first plenty to look forward to. To help you betthree phases of the RecyColumbus rollout ter understand RecyColumbus and its many have recycled more than 4,500 tons of advantages, visit RecycleColumbus.org materials from June through September, And as always, City Council will be saving the City more than $250,000 in fees happy to help answer any questions you it would have had to pay to put those recymay have when it comes to recycling or any clables into the landfill. other City service.

RecyColumbus is a new biweekly residential recycling program that gives residents an opportunity to do something good for the environment and the local community. In the first four months of the program, the City has saved more than $250,000 in landfill fees.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012

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4,500 tons of recyclables collected since June City's recycling program off to a strong start When Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman delivered a blue recycling cart to Columbus resident Sarah Brown of Harrison West to start Phase 4 of RecyColumbus, the city of Columbus’ new residential recycling service, he brought along some important news.

In just four months, Columbus residents had recycled more than they did throughout all of 2011 through its paid subscription recycling program, saving the City $254,000 in landfill fees.

Savings should continue to grow as the remainder of the eligible residents receive the new service.

“Columbus residents are enthusiastically participating in the new recycling program as it is implemented across the City,” Coleman said. “Residents in the first three phases of the program recycled 4,584 tons of bottles, cans and more between June and the end of September to make Columbus cleaner and

greener.”

Last year, through a paid subscription recycling program, Columbus residents recycled 4,300 tons of paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and steel cans.

Now eligible residents can automatically recycle at home for no additional cost, removing a key barrier that prevented many people from participating.

“Columbus’ residential recycling program is an easy way for households to help protect the environment and it has already proven to provide real savings to the City because the community is able to lower the amount of waste sent to the landfill,” said Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee.

Recycling is collected every other week and alternates with yard waste collection.

Columbus residents living in single-family homes and in buildings with four units or less that are not part of a complex are eligible to participate.

The City is launching its recycling program in five phases. Already residents in four phases have received

Brutus Buckeye and Ohio State University cheerleaders joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman as the city kicked off phase four, which includes University neighborhoods. carts and are using them to recycle. Collection has started in three phases with the first pick up in phase 4 set for Dec. 6. The fifth and final phase will receive carts next month with collection set for Feb. 1, 2013.

First Cart Contest

With each new phase, the City sponsors a first cart contest. Winners receive a

City of Columbus Cart Delivery and Recycling Schedule

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1

4

5

2

Area

Cart Delivery

First Collection

1 2 3 4 5

4/16 - 5/19

Mon • June 4, 2012

6/11 - 7/14

Tues • July 31, 2012

8/6 - 9/8

Wed • Sept. 26, 2012

10/15 - 11/17

Thu • Dec. 6, 2012

12/10 - 1/12

Fri

• Feb. 1, 2013

cart full of prizes personally delivered by Mayor Coleman.

Prizes include grocery store gift cards, zoo passes, free dinners and other gifts from local businesses.

Recently, Brutus Buckeye and the OSU cheerleaders joined Mayor Coleman to kick off phase four recycling, which includes The Ohio State University neighborhoods.

2012 First Cart Winners Phase 1 – Lisa Dame Phase 2 – Tori Michel Phase 3 – Ruth Seggerson Phase 4 – Sarah Brown If you live in a Phase 5 neighborhood, you can still enter the first cart contest.

Visit RecycleColumbus.org to enter.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■

Columbus residents love recycling Columbus residents are genuinely excited to begin recycling and have eagerly taken on the role of program ambassadors.

They have delivered door hangers and posters, held block watch meetings, signed up for the City’s recycling newsletter and given nearly 200 presentations. Now that recycling is underway for 60 percent of the city, wheeling the blue recycling cart out every other week for collection is becoming part of residents’ normal routine. Here is a sample of what people are saying about Columbus’ new residential recycling program.

“I love recycling because it’s so easy. With just a quick rinse off and 2 or 3-point throw into the cart (yes, I keep score), it’s done! It helps me cut down on my true amount of trash and feel good,” said Andria Andria Williams.

Williams “My family likes that the program is free. We have wanted to recycle for a long time. Reducing the amount of trash we produce is good for the City and the environment. We are really enjoying the program and are happy that Stuart it exists,” said Stuart Osborne Osborne.

“Our recycling goal is to keep as much out of the trash and into the recycling cart as we can. It’s a challenge we set for our house.

We keep our cart right next to the Renee trash Mushalko bin in the driveway, where it is easy to access,” said Renee Mushalko.

“I love that the proTheresa Hill cess is laid out for you

and is simple to understand. The City guides you every step of the way, so there is no confusion,” said Theresa Hill.

“I love the spacious cart because it holds all of my recyclables for two weeks until the next pickup. It’s literally the perfect size,” said Leslie McGee. “I love it! I hardly Leslie have McGee any trash now and am recycling the majority of my waste,” said Gwen Von Holten.

“RecyColumbus has saved the City a lot of money in landfill Gwen fees. It is lovely to see Von Holten Columbus going green and saving our planet. It is also good to know that our City is providing adequate education and encouragement to our citizens about how to be part of the green revolution,” said Mayo Mayo Makinde.

Makinde “It’s very simple to participate and is great for the environment.

I am glad that I can help make Columbus a greener City,” said Josephine Bertino.

“We are so happy the City provides this service now. Before we Josephine had to take our recyclables Bertino somewhere, now we simply set the cart outside for pickup.

We are recycling so much more and throwing away less trash. We are just thrilled with Christine this program,” said Hall Christine Hall.

Questions City of Columbus Department of Public Service 109 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Office: (614) 645-3111 Email: 311@columbus.gov Hours: 7am – 6pm

www.RecycleColumbus.org

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012

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Recycling is easy in Columbus Columbus’ new residential recycling program is easy and convenient.

The program was carefully designed that way to maximize participation. For example, no sorting of recyclable items is necessary.

Everything goes into the blue recycling cart for pick up. Sorting is done at the recycling facility.

All residents, except those who live in east and northeast Columbus, have already received blue carts.

Residents in east and northeast Columbus will receive their recycling carts beginning December 10, with bi-weekly collection of recycling to begin February 1, 2013.

The cart size offers plenty of space to hold two weeks worth of recyclables. The lid keeps out the rain and litter. The wheels make it easy to move to the pick up point – next to your trash container every other week.

“Please recycle all you can so that items like paper, glass and

plastic bottles? The answer is lids, caps and labels can be kept on recyclable containers.

Are pizza boxes accepted? Yes, as long as there is not too much grease on the box. If there is, tear off that section and recycle the rest.

Other common items that many people do not think they can recycle are aerosol cans and juice boxes.

“Approximately 60 percent of what we trash can be recycled,” said Erin Miller, City of Columbus Environmental Steward.

“In 2011 Columbus residents diverted 8 percent of their trash from the landfill through the city’s subscription curbside program and drop boxes. With the new citywide service, we hope to increase this number to 25 percent by the end of 2016. If every resident does his or her part, this will be an easy goal to beat!”

The carts are delivered with detailed information on the lid about recycling. Basically all aluminum and steel

metal can be re-used and not wasted by being buried in the landfill,“ said Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

Coleman also reminded residents to use the magnet, which is delivered with the cart, as a quick reference on what is and what is not recyclable.

cans, plastic bottles, paper and glass can be recycled. Here’s a quick list of recycling yeses and nos.

Paper – Yes. Everything from this special section to phone books and junk mail.

No to soiled cardboard and paper, and no facial tissue.

Metal – Yes to aluminum beverage cans, and steel cans like soup and vegetable cans from the grocery. No to paint cans and foil juice pouches.

Plastic – Yes to plastic bottles. No to plastic bags, yogurt and marga-

What

can be recycled?

Even with educational messaging on the cart, magnets and website, people still have questions.

For example, should lids be left on or off

rine tubs.

Glass – Yes to clear and colored jars and bottles. No to light bulbs, mirrors or broken glass.

Who’s

eligible for the program?

Columbus households that are eligible for the program include single-family homes and buildings with four attached units or less

that are not part of a complex.

By February 2013, the City expects that 215,000 households will be recycling.

Suburban households have their own recycling programs and should check with their local governments on program eligibility and requirements.

Recycling saves money The city of Columbus estimates that it will save up to $3 million a year if it reaches its goal of diverting 25 percent of the trash from the

landfill.

Right now, Columbus pays about $55 a ton for every ton of trash that it dumps in the landfill.

Through September 30, the City had saved $254,167.

“Recycling is the easiest and most popular

way to help the environment,” Miller said.

“Even recycling just one aluminum can, instead of trashing it, makes a difference because it takes 95 percent less energy to make a new aluminum can from a recycled one.”

To learn more about collection days, cart delivery or what to put in the cart, visit RecycleColumbus.org.

You can also call (614)645-3111.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■

From Cart to Market

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Where recycling starts

Columbus residents place their recyclable glass, plastic bottles, paper, aluminum, cartons and steel in the blue recycling cart, which is picked up every two weeks.

Baling recyclables

What happens to the recyclables?

Day after day, dozens of people, machines and 2,530 feet of conveyor belts transform truckloads of mixed recyclables into clean piles of paper, glass, metal and plastic. Here’s a look at the local recycling process.

8 tons

recyclables per truckload

Plastic

Paper

Metal

Glass

4,584 tons

collected June through September 2012 from the city of Columbus

ssss s

2. Pre-sort

Trucks dump 7 to 8 tons of mixed, compacted recycling onto the indoor tipping floor. A front-end loader scoops the mixture into a steel drum that loosens the material for sorting. Recyclables exit on a single conveyor belt.

s

1. Dump & Convey

Workers remove trash from the stream of recyclables that pass on the conveyor belt.

Large cardboard and non-recycleable trash.

Paper sorting

s s

Overhead Magnet

Optical scanners use infrared light to identify plastic bottles. Reflections trigger an air blast that ejects the bottles off the conveyor.

s

1 ton

of recycled paper saves 17 trees

65%

of recycled material is paper • newspaper • magazines • cardboard

8. Aluminum Cans

Separator Plate

10. Glass Jars & Bottles

s

Other reuses: polyester fiber for clothing and carpeting, new bottles, plastic sheeting for packaging, plastic lumber and furniture, and flip-top bottle lids.

From the separate conveyor belt, workers remove stray plastic and other non-paper materials. The remainder drops into a storage box to be baled.

9. Cartons

Recyclable material is sold to manufacturers to make new products, saving energy and resources.

Source: Rumpke

Glass, plastic and aluminum fall and continue through the stream.

An electromagnet repels aluminum cans onto a separate conveyor belt; they are collected and baled into 800-pound squares.

Plastic bottles (No. 1-7)

5. Paper

6. Steel Cans

Where it goes?

Made into: high strength plastic strapping by Signode Plastic Recycling Alliance of Florence, Ky., and drainage pipe by Haviland Drainage Products of Haviland, Ohio, and paint buckets by KW Plastics

Paper floats on top.

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The stream of recyclables flows over spinning rubber disks that remove cardboard.

4. Machine Sort

7. Plastic Bottles

Optical scanner

Trash goes to the landfill.

s

An overhead magnet lifts steel cans off the conveyor line. Aluminum cans, plastic bottles remain on the conveyor belt.

s

3. Cardboard Sort The mixture is further sorted by rubber disks, pushing paper to the top. Everything else drops onto another conveyor belt.

Cardboard goes to a separate mill.

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Special optical scanners eject milk and broth cartons, juice boxes and other aseptic containers.

These are intentionally broken as they move through the conveyor line. The broken glass is continually filtered, then collected for further processing.

Aluminum cans

Made into: more cans by beverage and beer companies like Anheuser Busch Other reuses: aluminum foil, auto parts, appliances, aircraft, gutters and downspouts

Glass bottles & Jars

Steel cans

Made into: fiberglass insulation by Johns Manville of Defiance, Ohio, and new container glass by Owens-Illinois of Zanesville, Ohio

Made into: appliances and automotive parts via I.H. Schlezinger Inc. of Columbus

Other reuses: more bottles, bricks, ceramics, reflective highway paint, beach sand restoration.

Other reuses: construction parts, gas cooking canisters, structural steel

Paper & Cardboard

Made Into: container and paperboard packaging products by companies such as RockTenn of Coshocton, Ohio Other reuses: newspaper, toilet paper, paper towels, office copy paper, stationery

Artwork by:

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012

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Columbus recycling ambassadors spread the word Steve Cordetti talks to Columbus residents about recycling at the Hyatt Health and Wellness Fair.

RecyColumbus volunteers at the Independents’ Day 2012 festival.

Below: The city of Columbus is spreading the word by hanging posters throughout the community.

Look for recycling posters at local businesses, libraries and community centers.

Mayor Coleman walked with the Recycle Segway in the Northland 4th of July Parade this past summer.

RecyColumbus Speaking Ambassador Andria Williams passes out information cards at the Heritage Concert Series.

RecyColumbus Ambassadors and volunteers have been busy spreading the word about the new, residential recycling program.

Presenting to more than 200 different groups, recycling ambassadors and volunteers have been to block watch, civic association and commission meetings.

They have also been a strong presence at community festivals, parades and conferences.

Whether they are presenting to a group, passing out information cards or managing a table at an event, recycling ambassadors have played an important role in educating the public about recycling.

Become a Recycling Ambassador

Volunteers are needed to speak about recycling, so sign-up to be a Columbus Recycling Ambassador today!

“We’ve received a large number of requests for speakers. If you would like to be a recycling ambassador, we could really use your help to educate our residents,” said Erin Miller, City of Columbus Environmental Steward.

The city of Columbus makes all the arrangements and provides the materials.

If you are interested in becoming a recycling ambassador, email recycle@columbus.gov.

Have Questions About Recycling?

Why not invite a Columbus Recycling Ambassador to speak at your next organization or community meeting? Ambassadors can answer questions and help residents become successful recyclers.

Visit www.RecycleColumbus.org and submit a Speaker Request Form.

The City is happy to arrange a speaker for your next event.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■

Commonly asked recycling questions The city of Columbus’ 311 Customer Service Center, hears directly from residents with questions about recycling.

Here are the most common questions residents ask.

To find a full list, visit www.

RecycleColumbus.org

When

does recycling collection begin?

The service is being introduced in five phases over a 10-month period. Biweekly collection of recycling is under way in neighborhoods

included in the first three phases, with the collection service to be in place in neighborhoods in the fourth phase on Dec. 6, and the fifth and final phase Feb. 1, 2013.

Cart delivery started with homes that receive yard waste collection service on Monday, wrapping up with homes that receive yard waste service on Friday in February 2013.

The carts arrive several weeks (up to 8) before collection starts. Until recycling service for your neighborhood begins, continue han-

dling yard waste, recyclables and trash in the same way as always.

What

day will my recycling be collected?

You will have the new cart for several weeks before collection starts. Begin using it right away and fill it up with recyclables. Your yard waste collection day will alternate with your recycling collection day. If you are still unsure about collection dates for recycling, yard waste or trash, please call (614) 645-3111.

How

much does the recycling service cost?

There are no additional costs to residents for the recycling service. Just like trash and yard waste, recycling is now a basic city service and is funded through the City’s General Fund.

Will drop box recycling still be available?

Yes, drop box recycling locations will remain available. The full list of drop box

locations is available at www.

RecycleColumbus.org.

What should I do when I receive the cart?

When the recycling cart arrives, move it to a location near your home. Write your street address on the cart lid in permanent marker. Next read the letter and informational brochure that come with the cart.

Continued on next page

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012

commonly asked Questions continued A colorful magnet that reminds you what materials can be recycled will also be included with the cart.

Please place this magnet on your refrigerator so it is always handy.

Where do I set out the cart for collection?

Recycling will be collected in the same location as your trash.

Containers must be placed within one foot of the curb or alley, with the arrow facing outward for collection, and at least three feet from trash or any other obstructions.

For alley collection, place the cart in the alley behind your own property.

Recycling must be placed out for collection by 6 a.m. on your collection day. After collection, containers must be removed and stored within 24 hours.

Can I

request an additional recycling cart?

One recycling cart will be provided per household at no cost.

If you would like to order a second cart to recycle more, you can purchase one for $39.98 (price includes tax, delivery and warranty).

Call (614) 645-3111 or complete an order form available online at www.RecycleColumbus. org.

Can I request a smaller or larger recycling cart?

Unfortunately, no.

The recycling trucks use an automated collection process. In order for recycling collection to be handled in an efficient manner, containers must be of a uniform size.

What

do I do with the cart if I move?

If you move, the blue cart should be left behind for the new residents. Serial numbers link each cart to a specific address.

Why

don’t I have to sort my recyclables?

The new recycling service includes a contract with Rumpke to

handle collection and processing.

Rumpke’s material recovery facility utilizes technology that sorts all the recyclable materials, making it easier for residents to recycle. This is called a single stream process.

Is

it necessary to rinse recyclables that contain food or liquid?

Yes, food and liquid residue contaminates the stream and makes recyclables difficult to process or unusable.

Please rinse any containers that are easily washable and do not recycle materials that are heavily soiled with food or liquid residue.

Are

plastic bags recyclable?

No, plastic bags are not recyclable through the City’s program, because they are not able to be processed by the machinery in the recycling facility. Plastic bags get caught in the mechanisms and cause the machinery to shut down.

We encourage residents to recycle their

plastic bags at their local grocery or drug store, as most have a separate collection point for these inside their buildings.

Should I bag my recyclables like I do my trash?

No, recyclables can go directly into the blue carts without using any bags to hold them. This makes sorting easier at the recycling facility.

Why should I recycle?

By recycling all that you can, you can make a real impact.

Recycling helps the environment, saves energy, reduces the amount of waste buried in the landfill, and creates and retains local jobs.

The more we recycle, the more trash we divert away from the county landfill, which saves dollars that the City pays on each ton of trash dumped there.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■

Local businesses are going green RecyColumbus is a great residential service, but businesses in Central Ohio are also doing their part. Here are a few examples from local companies that are making a difference with their green initiatives.

AEP – JACO

AEP is helping Ohio residents recycle their old appliances and earn some extra cash. Through the Energy Appliance Recycling Program, owners can have their old freezer or refrigerator picked up for free and receive a $50 incentive check.

By replacing an old appliance, consumers can also save an average of $150 a year in energy costs. Recycling these appliances reduces energy use and keeps harmful materials out of landfills. For more information, call 1-877-545-4112 or visit AEPOhio. com/rebates.

The Dr Pepper Snapple Group

The Columbus facility has made great strides towards reducing their landfill waste, reusing materials and ensuring that they help keep the local community green.

They have been able to prevent 89.2 percent of their solid waste from going to the landfill and are a GreenSpot member. As such, they have made commitments in the areas of conserving and protecting water,

conserving energy and traveling green. To find out more, visit dpsg. com.

Indus Hotels As a Clean the World Foundation (cleantheworld.org) partner, the 10 Indus Hotel properties will collect approximately nine tons of personal hygiene products for the Foundation to recycle and distribute to impoverished people. The soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions left behind by hotel guests are donated to help prevent millions of deaths caused by sanitation-related illnesses. Donated items will create 59,022 bars of recycled soap and produce 58,792 bottled hygiene products. Prior to the partnership, these useful products were discarded.

Office of Energy and the Environment at The Ohio State University

One of the greatest challenges of our time lies in our ability to secure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for future generations, Ohio State is meeting this energy challenge head-on. Students, faculty and staff research conventional and alternative energy sources and develop affordable, environmentally-responsible and sustainable options. They also advance energy for Ohio’s economic future, emphasize campus sustain-

Mayor Michael B. Coleman unloads a recycling cart. ability, support collaborative research projects, foster student interest and advise government policy for energy and related environmental issues.

Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is a leading area expert on recycling and converting yesterday’s throw-a-ways into energy for tomorrow. Running one of the nation’s largest Recycling DropOff programs, in 2011 the company diverted 16,000 tons of recyclables from the landfill. They also have programs that help businesses increase their recycling, while lessening their waste. SWACO is also in the early stages of working with a company to produce compressed natural gas from landfill gas. The fuel will then be sold on the nation’s pipeline.

Rumpke In 2011, Rumpke recycled more than 700 million pounds of materials. This commitment to recycling has been present since its founding in 1932. As Ohio’s largest recycler, Rumpke helps cities, businesses and institutions reach their maximum recycling potential. Rumpke can uncover waste reduction ideas and possible cost-savings by conducting a free waste-stream analysis to identify the types and volumes of trash generated. With 275 employees in Columbus and more than 2,300 companywide, Rumpke partners with homes and businesses to recycle more and trash less.

I.H. Schlezinger, Inc. I.H. Schlezinger, Inc. has been in the business of recycling for more than 100 years. Specializing in recycling scrap metal, the company has diverted 150 million tons of materials from landfills since its inception.

They have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, kept hazardous materials out of landfills and preserved natural resources. A firm believer in reduce, reuse and recycle, I.H. Schlezinger’s scrap recycling work creates more environmentally-friendly products and jobs in this fragile economy.

Time Warner Cable Time Warner Cable Go Green teams work hard to reduce energy use and waste, with a goal of decreasing its carbon intensity by 15 percent within two years. Initiatives include seeking LEED certification for new buildings, making existing buildings more efficient, improving the fuel efficiency of trucks and buying fuel-efficient and electric vehicles.

Engineers are working with set-top box suppliers to comply with Energy Star requirements.

Customers and employees have helped by enrolling in paperless billing. For more information, visit My Services at twc.com.

VIP Waste Services VIP Waste is Ohio's leading provider of valet trash and recycling programs for apartment communities, serving thousands of local apartmentdwellers with doorstep pickup each week.

Recently unveiled, VIP also offers the Comprehensive Waste Program, a completely outsourced solution for multi-family management companies who wish to eliminate waste-related hassles and reduce costs across an entire portfolio of properties.

"We help our clients turn 'waste' into an exciting amenity that is proven to attract quality new prospects and inspire positive reviews," said Jesse Lear, Co-Owner of V.I.P. Waste Services. For more information, call VIP Waste at (614) 383-8398 or email questions@vipwaste.com.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012

Meet the RecyColumbus Recycle Band Left: The Recycle Band performs with young fans at Mayor Coleman’s Neighborhood Pride Block Party.

Right: The band made its debut at the Phase 3 First Cart Contest. Band members showed off their musical talents and acrobatic moves.

A talented group of students from Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center is taking recycling to a whole new level with a percussion band that is performing around Columbus.

The RecyColumbus Recycle Band has transformed recyclable items into instruments.

Turning paint buckets into drums and aluminum cans into maracas, this group of musicians performs syncopated rhythms, a “recycling rap,” and gymnastic dance moves to the delight of crowds.

Debuting at a summer first cart contest presentation, the group impressed Mayor Coleman and local neighbors with its musical talent, dancing and enthusiasm about recycling.

Throughout the summer and fall at festivals and community events, band members spoke to audiences about the

importance of keeping our planet green, reusing materials and reducing waste. No matter where they went, they engaged young and old in the recycling message.

Recently the group visited the Rumpke recycling facility to learn more about recycling.

They left inspired to create new instruments and music for their growing fan base.

Band members include recent Fort Hayes graduate Jalen Ramsaw, seniors Brandon Williamson, Michael Johnson, Damon Hughes and junior Jalen-LaSalle Sheppard. Band advisors are Fort Hayes Assistant Principal Alicia Fowler and music teacher Jeff McCargish.

To watch the Recycle Band perform, visit www.RecycleColumbus. org. Also, look for them at community events this winter and spring.

Rumpke offers free tours of its recycling facility to schools, businesses and organizations. The recycling toss game was popular this summer.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | thursDAY, novemBER 15, 2012 ■