Away-From-Home Recycling Program launched in Minnesota

The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), in partnership with Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Recycling, LLC (CCR), Holiday Stationstores, and Hennepin County, Minnesota, launched a new program aimed at increasing recycling outside the home.

Giant, Coke bottle-shaped recycling bins have been placed at Holiday stations throughout the metro area to offer consumers a convenient, on-the-go recycling option.

By the end of 2009, the bins will be at 150 Twin Cities Holiday locations. RAM will work with PPL Industries and Adult Training and Habilitation Center to hire special needs adults who will collect and sort the material. Hennepin County has provided trucks and funding for sorting equipment to PPL Industries to support this effort.

“While most Minnesotans recycle at home, studies show that recycling rates decrease dramatically when people are away from home. The Coca-Cola - Holiday Stationstores partnership will make recycling convenient and hopefully reverse that trend,” said Ellen Telander, executive director, RAM.

“RAM has found that on average 50 percent of the volume of trash at gas stations consists of bottles and cans - items that most people are recycling when in their home.”