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NEWS RELEASE

August 31, 2009

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Howard County Government and Public School System Team Up to Promote School Recycling

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and Howard County School Superintendent Sydney Cousin announced today that the beginning of a new school year will also bring a new recycling program to all Howard County schools. Under a new combined solid waste and recycling contract negotiated by the Howard County Government, students, faculty and staff will now be able to recycle the same items at school that they are currently able to recycle at home.

“Our students understand how important it is to protect the environment, and they are often the driving force in their own homes when it comes to recycling,” said Executive Ulman. “I frequently hear from students, faculty and school staff that they would like a more expanded recycling program in their schools. This contract will make that possible with the added benefit of lower costs to the school system. I want to thank Dr. Cousin, the Department of School Facilities, and our Bureau of Environmental Services for working together to make this happen.”

Trash disposal is a huge financial cost for any large organization, including the Howard County Public School System. Last year, the school system spent approximately $433,000 on waste disposal costs alone. The new shared waste disposal contract will allow schools to offset trash costs with revenue from recyclables.

“With this expanded recycling program, we hope to reduce trash volumes by 30 percent over time and dramatically increase the amount we recycle. The program demonstrates to our students, parents, faculty and staff that we are committed to environmental sustainability,” said Dr. Cousin.

The Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services will continue to provide schools with technical information and assistance to support their recycling efforts.