The Ball Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Ball, has signed on as a funding Partner to The Recycling Partnership, a project of the Curbside Value Partnership.
Joint effort
The public-private partnership consists of various brand owners, packaging firms, and associations joined together to improve recycling access among American households.
“We believe the Recycling Partnership is one of the most innovative and solution-based programs in the country,” Jim Peterson, vice president of corporate affairs at Ball, told FoodProductionDaily. “It has the opportunity to become a game changer for recycling in the US. It’s technically sound, fast paced, and designed for measurable success.”
Group membership
In addition to Ball, The Recycling Partnership currently consists of the Alcoa Foundation, American Chemistry Council, American Forest and Paper Association, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, Carton Council and Coca-Cola. According to the organization, more Partners likely will be announced before the project’s anticipated July 1 implementation date.
“Kudos to Ball,” said Keefe Harrison, Curbside Value Partnership’s executive director. “They’ve been a part of the development of this Project since the beginning, working to shape its action-focused approach.”
Improving rates
The Recycling Partnership is working to launch initiatives to secure the success of recycling programs in various communities. Aspects include ensuring programs have access to carts, educating officials on how recycling connects to creating jobs and the local economy, outreach, and education.
The group expects to begin its work at the beginning of July, following the announcement of the final Partners list, as well as the roster of cities pinpointed. According to the organization, the group is intended to utilize one-time investments in recycling projects for long-term returns of recycled material, through grants, technical assistance, and education efforts.