November 15th, America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful.
In support of this nationally recognized day, we’d love to share cool facts and opportunities that should make every environmentally conscious person smile.
Let’s start with “opportunity”… “Public Space Recycling Bin Grant”
We enjoy helping make good things happen, which is why Coca-Cola has long supported the Recycling Bin Grant program, among other programs.
While most Americans have access to recycling in their homes, finding recycling bins in downtown areas, athletic fields, venues and other “public spaces” can be a challenge. As we increasingly live “on-the-go” lifestyles, research and common sense tell us that people are less likely to recycle if they don’t have a convenient opportunity to do it. The Coca-Cola / Keep America Beautiful Public Space Recycling Bin Grant is designed to help communities overcome this barrier by providing recycling bins and the promoting the idea that recycling is an activity we do wherever our daily routine takes us.
How It Works
The grant program awards actual recycling bins to schools, government agencies, colleges and other community organizations on a competitive basis. Interested parties complete an online application, designating the style and number of bins they would like and explaining how and where they would use the bins. Keep America Beautiful selects recipients based on the merits of their proposal according to several criteria including need and the potential to recover the greatest amount of recyclables. Keep America Beautiful then works with its vendors to arrange delivery of the bins at no cost to the grant recipients. In addition to the free bins awarded through the grant, all applicants are extended the opportunity to purchase additional recycling bins and related accessories at a special, discounted price.
Learn more … such as eligibility rules, frequently asked questions, grant details… > Go
Now let’s see some cool facts and more recycling efforts going on!
That Coca-Cola beverage in your hand? Whether it’s glass, plastic or aluminum, chances are the bottle or can you’re holding is fully recyclable. In the U.S. and around the world, Coca-Cola is working to close the loop by designing more resource-efficient packaging, supporting community recycling systems, and boosting use of renewable materials through innovation.
Coca-Cola Journey staff caught up with resident expert, Sarah Dearman, who leads sustainable packaging for Coca-Cola in the U.S., to learn more. Take a look:
What types of beverage packages do you find in the U.S.?
Most of our beverages are in aluminum cans, plastic bottles (polyethylene terephthalate plastic or PET for short) or glass bottles. Each package has its own benefit. For example, I love a plastic bottle when I’m on the go so I can easily put the cap back on and I don’t have to worry about it spilling. Cans are great for my fridge at home so I can stack them and have a variety of options easily accessible. It’s great to experience the nostalgia of a Coke in a glass bottle. There are also a few specialty packages like juice boxes – which my kids love – cartons and pouches.
Which ones are recyclable?
Nearly all – 99%– of our packages are fully recyclable. Aluminum cans, PET plastic bottles and glass bottles are accepted for recycling in most communities in the United States that offer recycling. Cartons and juice boxes are also now accepted in many places, as well. We are still working with the industry to find the best solution for pouches and other flexible packages.
