Coca-Cola, KAB Public Space Recycling Bin Grant Program application period opens

The application period for the 2020 Keep America Beautiful/Coca-Cola Public Spaces Recycling Bin Grant Program is open through Dec. 31, 2019.

The 2019 Coca-Cola Public Spaces Recycling Bin Grant Program distributed public space recycling bins to 31 organizations, including Keep America Beautiful (KAB), Stamford, Connecticut, community-based affiliates as well as government agencies, colleges and universities and Native American tribal locations in 19 states.

It's estimated that one-third of all beverage containers are consumed on the go, which highlights why The Coca-Cola Foundation, Atlanta, and KAB are are seeking to increase public space recycling accessibility in more locations throughout the country, according to a KAB news release. For the past 13 years, The Coca-Cola Foundation has supported the grant program, which has donated recycling bins to more than 1,000 communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Over the history of the program, more than 37,000 public space recycling bins have been awarded, providing opportunities for recycling on the go to more than 2 million people daily.

Grant recipients will be chosen by KAB based on their potential to collect the most cans and bottles as well other considerations, such as creating new or expanding access to recycling in a community; providing greater numbers of people with exposure or access to collection bins; providing access in environmentally sensitive areas; and the long-term potential of the public space recycling efforts to increase recycling participation in a community. To better prepare an application, refer to The Coca-Cola Public Spaces Recycling Toolkit posted on the KAB website.

“This recycling bin grant program seeks to establish new recycling opportunities, expose individuals to recycling and reinforce the importance of recycling on the go, with the goal of a ‘world without waste,’ where all bottles and cans consumed are returned for recycling,” remarks Randy Hartmann, senior director of affiliate operations for KAB.

With bins placed at locations ranging from downtown streetscapes, parks, beaches, athletic fields, academic buildings, plazas and other on-the-go settings, KAB and Coca-Cola estimate public space recycling will be given greater visibility and access to an estimated 10 million individuals annually in these locations with a goal of collecting an estimated 11 million aluminum, plastic and glass beverage containers annually. The program is funded through a $350,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation to KAB, which in turn awards recycling bins through a competitive, merit-based application process.