RECYCLING INCREASES DRAMATICALLY
AT 2010 FOOD LION SPEED STREET
Charlotte, N.C. – Mecklenburg County's Waste Reduction Program and Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful have once again joined community partners to make recycling a headliner at one of Center City's signature events.
Food Lion Speed Street, the annual Uptown Charlotte event known for its racing theme, live performances and bags full of freebies, made recycling a top priority this year – with impressive results. More than 15 percent more waste was recycled than in 2009. Ultimately, just over 40 percent of all waste was recycled – a staggering 18.75 tons of cardboard, bottles, cans and grease that did not end up in a local landfill.
Across the board, recycling at Speed Street saw significant increases from the 2009 event.
Material 2009 2010
Garbage 74.51 percent 59.03 percent
Recycled cardboard 15.97 percent 22.45 percent
Recycled bottles/cans 7.23 percent 16.42 percent
Recycled grease 2.29 percent 2.09 percent
Total tonnage
Garbage 74.51 percent 59.03 percent
Recycling 25.49 percent 40.97 percent
The numbers reflect increased dedication to waste reduction and sustainable practices at high-traffic events. The International Special Events Society (ISES) recognized 2009's Speed Street as the "Best Green Event" because of its then-nascent recycling program. This effort "paved the way for other Charlotte events to initiate a similar, large-scale recycling effort," according to JHE Production Group, which organizes Speed Street.
Mecklenburg County and Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful work with a variety of community partners – including City of Charlotte Special Services and Center City Partners – to raise awareness about recycling, sustainable practices and litter prevention. For more information on the County's programs, go to www.wipeoutwaste.com.
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Media contact: Michelle Moriarity Witt, 704-432-0361 or Bill.Carroll@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov