Press Release



2004 TOTAL TRASH OUT XIII LAUNCHES IN ANTELOPE VALLEY SCHOOLS
Annual Event Gets Local Schools Excited About Recycling


ANTELOPE VALLEY, Calif., April 9, 2004 – Start collecting aluminum cans for kids and schools! The Waste Management Total Trash Out XIII recycling contest kicks-off in Antelope Valley elementary schools on April 12.

Consisting of an aluminum can collection contest among elementary schools, Total Trash Out helps schools raise money by giving all revenue derived from the program directly to each participating school. The program also raises awareness about recycling among local children and promotes a clean environment

“We’re excited to bring the Total Trash Out program back to Antelope Valley! We’ve had huge success in the past, raising over $273,000 over the past 11 years, and we plan to continue in that path,” said Lisa Hemenway, Waste Management Recycling Coordinator. “Kids have a ball while learning about benefits of recycling and participating schools get desperately needed funding – the whole community benefits!”

Students, teachers, parents and the public can participate in Total Trash Out XIII by collecting cans and taking them to their local participating elementary school from April 12 through May 7, 2004. For those schools taking part in the program, Waste Management will provide aluminum can recycling bins, pickup service and weekly updates on which schools are leading in the contest. Alameda Metals will distribute all money earned to the local schools at the end of the contest. The current California Redemption Value is $1.25 per pound.

“Waste Management is pleased to be able to help raise funds for our local schools, while also teaching the value of conserving our natural resources,” continued Hemenway. “Through Total Trash Out, Waste Management’s goal is to help local schools collect more than 18,000 pounds of aluminum, which amounts to $22,500 that goes directly back to our schools.”

Two schools will be recognized as grand-prize winners in the Total Trash Out: the school that collects the most pounds of aluminum overall and the school that collects the most pounds of aluminum per student. Winning schools will receive a carnival party, a new computer, AV Mall Shopping 4 Students Points Program, collectible coins, gift certificates for the mall, savings bonds, tickets to Funland USA and much more.

During April and May, the Waste Management Robot, Cycler, will visit participating schools to cheer them on and to teach them more about recycling and how they can make a difference in their communities.

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