Wed September 16, 2015
GRC President, Michelle Wiseman presenting the award to USAgain's Kevin Fitzgerald, Regional Sales Manager at 2015 annual conference.
Read original story at southeastgreen.com
USAgain, a leader in the textile recycling industry, was recently honored for its success in recycling and waste reduction within Georgia during the ninth annual Spirit of Green Awards, held by the Georgia Recycling Coalition (GRC).
For the second year in a row, the GRC presented USAgain with the Environmental Stewardship Award during its annual conference in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. The award serves to highlight excellence in recycling and acknowledges individuals or organizations whose actions sustain the recycling industry’s viability.
Across the state of Georgia, communities are working to be more sustainable, balancing economic growth with environmental protection,” said Gloria Hardegree, Executive Director of GRC. “USAgain’s textile recycling initiatives are reflective of these efforts, proving to be economical and environmentally successful. While reminding us to use our resources wisely for greater efficiency, USAgain has helped businesses and governmental groups increase waste reduction efforts and provide new recycling opportunities with no added costs to city infrastructure.”
The added bonus, they say, is how recycling efforts have empowered communities with “convenient options and increasing environmental awareness.”
For the past 15 years, USAgain has provided textile recycling services to the residents of Georgia, helping to divert over 58,550,000 lbs of textiles from the state’s landfills. Working with organizations, community leaders and public officials, they have helped improve the environment by preventing over 409,850,000 pounds of greenhouse gases and landfill space by over 367,383 cubic yards – or over 28,539 garbage truckloads.
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve worked to improve recycling in Georgia as more communities are sharing a goal towards greater sustainability.” Said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain. “Mutually beneficial partnerships with like-minded counties, cities, and schools have been key to our success here.”
With a no-cost, no-work and no-liability system for recycling participants, USAgain has implemented 1,300 clothing collection bins across Georgia. As the collections begin to reduce waste and create efficiency for waste management operations, they also produce revenue streams for partners thanks to the company’s revenue share program.
More than 12 million tons of textiles are discarded in the U.S. every year with only 15% being reused, recycled or repurposed. After creating 10 new partnerships in the past year, USAgain aims to grow recycling rates by continue making recycling more convenient to citizens of Georgia while improving the environment.