FRANKLIN
Franklin’s Downtown Business District has 10 new additions to its streetscape. Large green recycling units have been placed in strategic locations in order to give all businesses the opportunity to recycle.

During the last nine months, the Project Pollution Preventers, known as “P3,” have worked diligently to make recycling a reality for Franklin’s Downtown. Working with city officials, the Downtown Franklin Association, recycling companies, and business owners, Franklin students developed a plan that met with approval from all stakeholders. On Oct. 30, Tidewater Fiber Company put the first bins in place. Because the city subsidizes the residential recycling program, it decided to also subsidize the downtown program. Businesses are allowed to recycle for free. Additionally, through the State Litter Grant, the students received funding to purchase inside bins for the businesses as a reminder and to make recycling convenient. Business owners can empty the smaller containers into one of the 10 outside recycling units, usually between 10 and 40 yards from their door. All business owners are eligible for these free collection bins.

P3 member Angela Bird explained, “Some businesses and offices were closed so they need to contact us in order to receive a bin for their workplace. Only three places stated they would not recycle because it is still too inconvenient for them to recycle. That was really shocking because it’s free.”

“If we could get 100 percent participation in this effort we might actually lower waste collection prices!” said Vanessa Stone.

“It’s a win-win situation! The businesses and the environment benefit!” added Summer Winston.

The Community Problem Solving team delivered information packets along with the bins, explaining what could be recycled, service procedures and maps showing outside bin locations. If anyone has any questions, suggestions, or concerns, they can contact the group at recyclefranklin@gmail.com.