SILVER SPRING, MD---Riderwood, the Erickson Living retirement community, received the Multi-Family Property Outstanding Efforts in Recycling Award at the 14th Annual Recycling Achievement Recognition Ceremony hosted by the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services.
Held on Wednesday, May 22nd at the Silver Spring Civic Building, the event was part of Montgomery County's Recycling Awareness Week in which businesses, multi-family properties and residents throughout the county are recognized for their outstanding leadership and efforts in waste reduction, recycling and buying recycled products.
Looking inside the numbers from 2012, Riderwood retirement community recycled:
- 110,000 pounds of mixed paper
- 141,650 pounds of corrugated cardboard
- 1,249,680 pounds of commingled materials such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars
- 36,860 pounds of scrap metal 165,740 pounds of bulk items
- 3,677 pounds of batteries
It's the human element, though, that puts the activism into the recycling program at Riderwood.
Bob Riley is the Director of General Services. He credits a partnership with residents as the backbone of recycling initiatives. "We deeply value the contribution of ideas and talents that our residents provide to us," stated Mr. Riley. "Recycling is a year-round commitment at Riderwood, and it's a tremendous advantage to develop strong relationships with our residents as we continue to develop new ways to be good stewards of the environment."
Part of that process is awareness. The General Services Department and the resident-led Recycling Committee hold a meet & greet with new residents and table-top education in the dining areas. The department also utilizes the Riderwood Television Station and community newspapers to communicate program guidelines.
Riderwood residents Tom and Bonnie Balzer coordinate activities of the Recycling Committee. "Taking proactive steps to help our environment is important so that future generations can follow our lead," described Mr. Balzer. "It is very gratifying that residents of Riderwood are taking an enormous interest in these efforts, and we look forward to expanding our program as more and more items are able to be recycled in the future."
Reggie Dennis, Senior Facility Manager, serves as the liaison between the Recycling Committee and residents of Riderwood.
About Riderwood: Riderwood is one of sixteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, the scenic 120-acre campus is home to more than 2,500 residents. Riderwood is the ideal greater Washington, D.C. retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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