by

Dave Hardin

Public Information Officer

We’ve written a lot for the Catawba County E-News about the County’s focus on going and staying “green”, programs and plans that promote and protect our environment. Our citizens have done a great job with recycling.

We’ve learned that a report that Catawba County ranked third in the state in recycling, per person, for the year that ended on June 30, 2008 was wrong. We actually ranked second in the state, behind only Dare County!

Businesses have also helped us achieve this success. But we’re not satisfied with being number two. Catawba County has created a relatively new partnership program that’s going to help us do even better.

The County’s Commercial Recycling and Waste Reduction Partnership program is a free and voluntary program designed to encourage local businesses to take proactive steps to improve their environmental record, while also improving their bottom-line. It recognizes businesses in Catawba County that operate in an environmentally friendly manner by practicing the “four Rs” (reduce, reuse, recycle, rebuy).

The program already has eleven partners: C.R. Laine Company, Inc.; Commercial Plastics and Recycling, Inc.; Gregory Wood Products, Inc.; Corning Cable/Hickory Cable Facility; Hickory Chair; Lee Industries; Pallet One; Parker Southern; RockTenn Company; Temple Furniture: and theleathercollection.

Businesses that become partners are able to access a wide range of data and assistance. Staff in our Department of Utilities and Engineering have created a wonderful 49-page Resource Guide For Commercial Recycling And Waste Reduction. It has information on why businesses should be interested in recycling and reducing waste; waste reduction options; how to create and implement a waste reduction program; source reduction and reuse strategies and ideas; how to implement a recycling program; recycling ideas and strategies for small business; tax and business incentives for recycling and waste reduction; and “how to find cash in your trash”.

Program partners receive technical assistance at no cost from the Utilities and Engineering staff and other resources. Our staff has the knowledge and resources to help business partners find markets for their recyclable materials, both locally and around the state, and specialized information such as recycling for ABC permit holders and electronic waste.

It’s easy to join the partnership. First, your business must be willing to make a strong commitment to recycling and waste reduction. Your business should establish a workplace "Green Team." Then it will be ready to submit an application for acceptance into the County’s Commercial Recycling and Waste Reduction Partnership, which should include a narrative of your company's environmental program and one or more significant goals for the coming year in recycling, waste reduction, reuse and buying recycled products.

Once a business is approved for the partnership, it will receive a Commercial Recycling and Waste Reduction Partner decal to display in its window and a listing on the Catawba County Utilities and Engineering website.

If this program sounds like a good idea for your business, I encourage you to contact Amanda Kain at 828-465-8217. You may also go online to learn more.

As more businesses commit to recycling and waste reduction, Catawba County will become an even stronger state and national leader on this important issue!