The City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Program will receive the 2008 Outstanding Recycling Program Award on Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. from the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA.) The presentation and reception will take place during the annual CRRA conference Aug. 3-6 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel in Burlingame.

Nominations for the annual CRRA Outstanding Recycling Program are reviewed for several criteria, including coverage and longevity; need and development of innovative solutions, approaches and/or partnerships; documented waste prevention, diversion, conservation and recovery; a model for others to follow; increased public awareness and participation; inspiration of others and demonstration of leadership in the field.

The city-owned Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Program has been in existence since 1987, starting as a limited curbside recycling program. It now provides convenient commingling recycling and organics carts to residents, unlimited recycling containers to commercial customers, a drop-off recycling center, a household hazardous waste facility, community drop-off sites for specialty items, and special pick up days for appliances, e-waste and Christmas trees. With the many recycling opportunities and pay-as-you-throw rates Santa Cruz has achieved a 62 percent diversion rate below 1991 disposal tonnages.

Staff will present the award Sept. 9 to the Santa Cruz City Council during their meeting.

For information, call Mary Arman at 420-5162.

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(Published in 7/21/08 edition)

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