Phone book recycling drive focuses on community centers

ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville, Curbside Management, and AT&T are partnering for a phone book recycling drive that highlights area community centers.

Residents are encouraged to bring used telephone books to any of the 11 Asheville area community recreation centers from now through Aug. 18.

The center that collects the most used telephone books will win a $500 cash prize, funded by AT&T.

 

It’s the first time the city has conducted this contest, said Wendy Simmons, solid waste manager in the city’s sanitation division.

The winning center will use the money for a community event, according to Charles Lee, program supervisor for the city’s recreation centers.

“Each community has multiple events in which they gather to celebrate the uniqueness of that particular community,” Lee said. “Once a winner is determined, the center director will work with their community advisory board to determine what particular event [the center may have] and how best to use funds.”

The local drive is one of about 70 “Project ReDirectory” initiatives operated by AT&T. These are community-based recycling programs designed to promote the collection and recycling of directories. The directories are made from recycled paper waste and wood fiber, such as sawdust and wood chips that would otherwise go unused.

Directories are also recycled into animal bedding, bathroom tissue, cereal boxes, roofing shingles and new phone books.

To find a list of city recreation centers, visit the Parks and Recreation website.

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