Recycling receipts due on Nov. 16

With America Recycles Day fast approaching, Beautify CNMI! and the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Management office is calling on participating schools to forward all recycling receipts on or before the contest deadline on Nov. 16.

In a news briefing held yesterday morning at the DPW transfer station in Lower Base, Beautify CNMI! and Division of Environmental Quality officer Tina Sablan said participating schools in the 3rd CNMI Recycles Day have a few days left to turn in their recycling receipts.

“The [recycling receipts] should be submitted to DEQ no later than 4:30pm on that day,” she added.

Rhis year’s recycling competition is a first for Beautify CNMI!, according to the media kit released by the group.

Sablan said almost all public and private schools on Saipan have been turning in their recycling receipts as early as September, when the competition started. Sablan said that families, businesses and households could also participate in this islandwide competition.

“All they have to do is donate [wastes] to the schools,” she said.

DPW Solid Waste Management director Steve Hiney said the competition is very unique because it involves the schoolchildren, inculcating in them the attitude of supporting recycling for a healthier environment.

Hiney said he is glad to have this competition for the third time “but America and CNMI should recycle everyday.”

Rep. Cinta Kaipat said all households should participate in this worthy competition. “We encourage families and private firms. We need to work together,” she said.

Sablan said a combination of cash awards and school supplies would be given away for this year’s recycling contest. Awarding ceremony is on Nov. 18, 9am at the DPW Lower Base Transfer Station.

Also, the DLNR Forestry Division is providing 10 trees for every participating school for campus beautification.

Sablan acknowledged the assistance of Ericco Enterprises for providing free pick-up to schools. She added that the event wouldn’t have been possible without help of the Marianas Visitors Authority, Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Forestry Division, DPW and DEQ.

She also acknowledged private firms that have been supporting the project: Ericco, Nikko Hotel Saipan, Hafa Adai Publishing, Power 99, Café at the Park, Java Joe’s, and DFS Galleria.

Beautify CNMI! officers Angelo Villagomez and Reina Camacho and Kyle Kaipat were present during the briefing yesterday morning.

For more information contact Tina Sablan at 664-8500 or Steve Hiney at 322-2745.