(PITTSBURGH) November 7, 2012   Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald today announced that the City and County will join The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project in collecting tote bags, backpacks and gym bags in honor of America Recycles Day, November 15. Residents are encouraged to drop off new or gently used bags and backpacks from Nov. 12-18 at one of 13 participating locations. Collected bags will be distributed to local food pantries, reducing the need for plastic bags and enabling patrons to securely transport their food. Residents are also encouraged to make small food donations.

“Throughout our City, families and individuals rely on food pantries, particularly during the winter and holiday season,” Ravenstahl said. “City and County employees, their families and all residents are encouraged to contribute to the tote bag drive and participate in this unique recycling opportunity to improve our environment while making an impact on the lives of those in need.”

The use of reusable bags reduces the need for plastic bags and spares food pantries the expense of purchasing bags, freeing up valuable resources for food. Tote bags are typically able to carry twice as much as standard plastic bags.

“Our region has a great tradition of coming together and supporting important causes like the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project,” said Fitzgerald. “By donating new or gently used tote bags, backpacks and gym bags, we’ll not only make it easier for our friends and neighbors to carry home items from food pantries, but we’ll also be reducing the need for thousands of flimsy plastic bags. I encourage everyone to contribute to this effort and help us meet our goal of collecting 10,000 reusable bags and backpacks.”

Drop-off locations are:          

• City-County Building lobby, near “Hard to Recycle” collection (414 Grant Street, 15219)
• Allegheny County Courthouse, Information Center in Courtyard & County Executive’s Office, Room 101 (436 Grant Street, 15219)
• Allegheny County Health Department Clack Center, Public drop-off in Building #5, Employee drop-off in Buildings #1, #5 & #7 (3901 Penn Avenue, 15224)
• Allegheny County Economic Development, Regional Enterprise Tower, Drop-off for building tenants only (425 6th Ave, Suite 800, 15219)
• County Office Building, Room 347-A (542 Forbes Avenue, 15219)
• Allegheny County Human Services Building, Main Lobby (One Smithfield Street, 15222)
• Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office (1520 Penn Avenue, 15222)
• ·  Allegheny County Health Department
• Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, 2nd Floor (400 North Lexington Street, 15208)
• South Park Administrative Offices (Buffalo Drive, 15129)
• Kane Regional Center – Ross Township (110 McIntyre Road, 15237)
• Kane Regional Center – Scott Township (300 Kane Boulevard, 15243)
• Kane Regional Center – Glen-Hazel (955 Rivermont Drive, 15207)
• Kane Regional Center – McKeesport (100 Ninth Street, 15132)

Each year, America Recycles Day presents the opportunity to expand the City of Pittsburgh’s and Allegheny County's recycling efforts beyond the collection of the traditional plastic, metal, glass and paper materials. At the end of last year’s one-week drive, the Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project collected 359 bags, surpassing their annual goal to collect 10,000 bags by 65 bags. This year, officials hope to bring even greater success.

Since 1997, America Recycles Day has encouraged communities across the country to come together on November 15 to educate and motivate citizens about the benefits of recycling. Over the past 15 years, community leaders, neighbors and friends across the United States have hosted annual America Recycles events. Celebrating America Recycles Day in Pittsburgh helps protect the environment while serving the needy.

Recycling in Pittsburgh
In 2008, Mayor Ravenstahl launched the “Together Green” campaign, simplifying City recycling by offering curbside single stream recycling. Over the past five years, the City has seen a 100 percent improvement in recycling, saving taxpayers over $300,000 per year in landfill fees. With community support and addition of special collection bins, everything from yard debris to appliances to batteries can be recycled within Allegheny County. 

Download your Pittsburgh curbside recycling and waste removal schedule here. For more information about recycling drop-off locations in Pittsburgh, view the Mayor’s Green Guide. To find the next Special Collections Recycling Drive, click here.

Allegheny Green
Allegheny Green is a comprehensive initiative to promote sustainable practices through countywide policies, programs, and projects. Allegheny County encourages residents, businesses, and municipalities to undertake green activities that support economic interests in an environmentally appropriate and equitable manner. The county focuses on our physical plant and assets, how we conduct business, and the critical role of our staff in achieving our collective goal of reducing our ecological footprint. We are leading by example with programs such as the green roof demonstration project and by setting aggressive goals for reducing energy and water consumption. For more information, visit alleghenycounty.us/alleghenygreen.