AF&PA gives recycling award to Michael Dunn Center

Nonprofit was singled out for its creative steps to increase recycling rates.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, has presented its 2014 Business Recycling Awards for Creativity, Participation and Partnerships to the nonprofit group Michael Dunn Center, based in Kingston, Tennessee.

“AF&PA is proud to honor Michael Dunn Center’s recycling efforts with this year’s Business Recycling Awards for Creativity, Participation and Partnerships. Educating their employees has enabled them to carry the recycling message to the wider community, which facilitates increased participation and a variety of partnerships,” says Craig Reeves, national sales manager for Resolute Forest Products, recycling division, who presented the award.

Michael Dunn Center says its mission is to empower individuals living with disabilities to help them gain independence. The center started its recycling program in 2000 to provide employment opportunities to people living with disabilities. Over the years, the center has grown community participation and has forged various partnerships, enabling it to recycle more than 1,000 tons of paper.

“Thank you to AF&PA for recognizing our paper recycling program on so many levels. We are proud of our efforts and ensuing success, and hope to inspire similar programs around the country,” says Mike McElhinney, president and CEO of Michael Dunn Center.

AF&PA adds that recycling efforts such as the ones undertaken by Michael Dunn Centers are helping the United States reach the goal of exceeding 70 percent paper recovery for recycling rate by 2020.