Little Rock recyclers will have the chance to win at least $100 in cash in a program unveiled today by Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey and representatives of Waste Management.  The program, entitled ‘Green Bin-Instant Win’ is a component of the Little Rock Recycles program that Mayor Dailey and George Wheatley of Waste Management announced in April. 

Joining Mayor Dailey and Mr. Wheatley at the press conference was Bob Phelps, Executive Director of Keep Arkansas Beautiful.  He presented a $2,000 grant to the City to assist in recycling efforts in Little Rock.

The ‘Green Bin-Instant Win’ program will begin the week of June 13th and last for twelve weeks.  To participate, residents fill out and return a card that was mailed to each residence in Little Rock.  Each week, one card will be drawn.  The person selected will receive $100 if their recyclables are out that week for collection – and if the bin contains only acceptable recyclables.  Should the name of the person whose card is drawn not set out their recycling that week, the $100 will roll over to the next week, increasing the prize amount to $200.

“I am excited to be kicking off this program,” said Mayor Dailey.  “Recycling is easy to do and good for the future of our City.  With this program, not only are we encouraging residents to recycle, but also giving them the chance at a reward.  Of course, for all those who are not selected for a cash prize – the reward is that they are helping the future of Little Rock.  I am grateful to Waste Management for their support.”

“Waste Management is proud the partner with Little Rock on these efforts,” said George Wheatley, Director of Government Affairs for Waste Management of Arkansas.   “We know that the ‘Green Bin-Instant Win’ campaign will be a success for the City.  We appreciate the fact that many people in Little Rock already recycle.  But there is always room for improvement.”  Mr. heatley added,

“This campaign is only one part of the Little Rock Recycles program.  Residents will see more aspects of it in the coming months.”

“On behalf of the citizens of Little Rock, I want to thank Keep Arkansas Beautiful for their grant to help us in recycling efforts,” continued Mayor Dailey.  “As the capitol city, we certainly want to do our part in statewide beautification efforts.  By increasing our recycling with the Little Rock Recycles program and the ‘Green Bin-Instant Win’ campaign, we know that there will be less litter on the ground.  I appreciate Waste Management for being a national sponsor of the Keep America Beautiful program.”

“This gift is one of the many tangible benefits a community can accrue when they chose to become affiliated with Keep America Beautiful, Inc.  We are happy to present the City of Little Rock with this gift to help promote recycling participation in their community.  By working together, we can all help to create a cleaner and healthier environment,” said Bob Phelps, State Director, Keep America Beautiful and Executive Director, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

All of Little Rock’s recycling is taken to the Recycling Alliance of America Materials Recovery Facility.  In 2004, the MRF processed 4,800 tons of recycled material from Little Rock residents.