General DNR News

RECYCLING EFFORTS IN RAPIDES AWARDED BY NACO

Rapides Parish has recently been awarded National Association of Counties (NACO's) prestigious achievement award for 1996, recognizing its recycling and waste reduction program. Members of the Rapides Parish Police Jury received the award in Houston, TX at NACO's annual convention this past weekend.

The program, Rapides Recycles was started in 1994 with funding provided by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Energy Section. NACO's 1996 Achievement Award cites the program for its overall success in a number of areas including the establishment of curbside recycling in towns and cities throughout the parish; the coordination of recycling programs for neighborhoods, schools, colleges, and businesses; public awareness planning and implementation; and for the development of marketing opportunities for recyclable materials.

Over 130,000 residents of Rapides parish participated, along with 350 companies, 52 public schools, and scores of dedicated volunteers. Program statistics indicate that over 28,500 tons of the parish's solid waste were diverted from landfills in 1995. The parish saved $4,600 in landfill cost during that year. Additional data and results that document the program's success can be obtained from the Rapides Recycling office.

Rapides Parish Recycling Coordinator Randalle Moore credited the contributions and efforts of volunteers, area businesses, and schools for their strong sense of responsibility toward cleaning up the environment and helping to curb pollution.

Editors: For additional information on this topic, contact Recycling Coordinator Randalle Moore at (318) 443-2320 or DNR Public Information Officer Phyllis Darensbourg at (504) 342-8955.