By Susan Jarvis
July 12, 2004

Conference President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner announced a new initiative with Alcan Aluminum for a Cans For Cash: City Recycling Challenge program at the June 26 opening plenary session at the Conference's Annual Meeting.

The City Recycling Challenge is a new, national challenge that will reward cities for recycling aluminum cans and demonstrating innovative and creative promotion of aluminum can recycling. Garner told the audience that nearly $1 billion in recyclable aluminum cans go into landfills every year and that this challenge is geared to reinvigorate aluminum can recycling.

"Cities can really benefit from increased aluminum can recycling," says Brenda Pulley, Alcan's Vice President of Corporate Relations." We're looking forward to helping cities get the word out about recycling and their recycling programs," she added.

Cities will be divided into four divisions, and compete against like-sized cities to recycle aluminum cans between November 2 and November 15 for four $5,000 awards. Sign up at www.usmayors.org/mwma and submit your receipts or similar third party documentation to win $5,000 to use towards recycling education and promotion. Cities can sign up on line until October 31.

Cities will also be recognized for innovative approaches to recycling education. Four cities will receive $5,000 awards for the most innovative recycling education, marketing or promotion program. Cities should submit a 500-word description with copies of promotional materials when they submit receipts." By sharing really great marketing programs, every city's recycling program is a winner," continued Pulley.