Moore County Solid Waste Department announced a new initiative with Strategic Materials, Inc. (SMI) for glass recycling in Moore County.
SMI has offered to make a sizable contribution to a local Moore County non-profit, Northern Moore Family Resource Center (NMFRC) if Moore County’s residents can reach a goal of collecting 70 tons of glass bottles, jugs, and jars before April 22 (Earth Day). Donations are accepted at all seven collection sites.
SMI also provided a hand-painted glass recycling container depicting several North Carolina landscape images. This container will be located at the Aberdeen Collection Facility.
“We are excited to support the expansion of Moore County’s glass recycling program for residents,” said Strategic Materials Regional Sourcing Manager, Tom Syre. “The glass from this program will be recycled at our facility in Wilson to make new products in North Carolina. Our partnership is a representation of the collective good that comes from a community united. Giving to a program that helps others is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the people of Moore County.”
Glass is collected separately at collection sites all year round, but Moore County Solid Waste hopes that the additional incentive from SMI will encourage even more participation in the glass drop-off program.
“Strategic Materials has been an incredible partner in Moore County’s recycling program,” said David Lambert, Solid Waste Director. “SMI’s pledge of support for our community makes a profound impact on the glass recycling market and other causes important to Moore County residents—like preschool education and community development.”
Moore County Solid Waste Director David Lambert. Photo by John Patota/Sandhills Sentinel.
With a 125-year history, SMI is North America’s most comprehensive glass recycler, with nearly 50 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company continues to be focused on passionate advocacy, operational excellence, and collaborative partnership. SMI is a trusted partner to cleaner, more efficient glass production, providing customers and suppliers with economical and environmentally viable products and solutions for reuse of waste streams.
NMFRC’s mission is to encourage the development of strong families, healthy children, and caring communities by matching resources with needs in the northern Moore County area. One of the most visible and exciting components of the Northern Moore Family Resource Center is HOPE (Harnessing Opportunity—Promoting Education) Academy Preschool.
“We are grateful for this pledge of support for our program and mission,” said Clare Ruggles, Executive Director of NMFRC. “We intend to use funds from this program to support our preschool program in the Robbins community.”
The hand-painted art box displayed at the Aberdeen Collection site was painted by North Carolina artist, Shaquille Ellis, who uses the pin name “Phor.” Phor is an Anderson, South Carolina-based self-taught artist and muralist. He is a former athlete who turned to art as a way to deal with mental health issues.
He has built a reputation by partnering with grassroots entities, including boutiques, hotels, bars, distilleries, and restaurants to bring art where it might not normally be found. He is inspired by colors of creativity and culture and respects diversity, embraces community, and provides soulful art for all. His work can be found on Instagram at @iamphor4.
Glass can be dropped off at any of the collection sites listed below:
• Cameron
o 276 Cranes Creek Road, Cameron
• Hillcrest/Carthage
o 5361 US Hwy 15-501, Carthage
• Eagle Springs
o 364 Eagle Springs Road
• Midway
o 10496 Hwy 24-27 West, Carthage
• West End/Seven Lakes
o 605 Love Grove Church Road, West End
• Aberdeen Site (MOORE COUNTY LANDFILL)
o 456 Turning Leaf Way, Aberdeen
• Robbins
o 1465 Leaman Road, Robbins
Feature photo: hand-painted glass recycling container. Courtesy photo.
Contributed
