America Recycles Day / National Recycling Week

"America Recycles Day” is a nationally-recognized day, scheduled on November 15th each year, to encourage and raise awareness about recycling.  "National Recycling Week" is a nationally-recognized week, scheduled in November each year, to increase community education about recycling and the broader themes of minimizing waste and managing material resources.

YOU can help make every day “America Recycles Day” or every week
"National Recycling Week"!   Did you know...

• If not recycled, 1 quart of used motor oil could pollute 250,000 gallons of drinking water
• Recycling 1 ton of old paper saves 7,000 gallons of water
• Recycling saves energy and reduces air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions
• Half of all polyester carpet made in the United States is made from recycled plastic (PET)
• Recycling the steel from 6 cans can provide enough steel framing for an entire new house
• Recycling 1 glass bottles saves enough electricity to light a 60-watt light bulb for 4 hours
• Aluminum cans produced in the United States can contain at least 50% recycled content
• Americans represent only 5% of the world’s population, but generate 30% of the world’s garbage!

(data provided by www.americarecyclesday.org)

In support of America Recycles Day and National Recycling Week, the City of Lee’s Summit tries to host events in November to help raise awareness about and show respect for our environment, such as a Stream Team event.

"Clean Your Files" Day

The City hosts an annual internal government "Clean Your Files" Day to support America Recycles Day and National Recycling Week.  On the Friday closest to America Recycles Day, City staff are encouraged to go through their desks (drawers and all) and recycle everything they don't need.  More than 250 staff members participate in our annual events, which have resulted in more than 18,000 pounds of material, mostly paper, recycled!

The City encourages YOU to get involved and host your own "Clean Your Files" Day.  Whether at home or at work, you can participate by cleaning out any unneeded paperwork and taking it to either of the City's drop-off recycling centers.