Recycling Partnership Expands Efforts and Funding

Through its ongoing relationship with Porch Creek Indians of Atmore, Alabama, the City of Brewton has been able to expand its recycling efforts. This expansion has been accomplished by partnering and simultaneously leveraging state and federal grants.

Native Americans are not allowed to participate in state-funded grants (there are aspects of federal grants that are reserved for them alone). By combining forces, the City of Brewton was able to acquire state funding for $100,000 while the Porch Creek Indians were able to land a $1 million federal grant for our recycling efforts.

Funds from these grants will be used in Brewton to find a more economical form of transportation for recycled collections and to expand access to recycling bins. By partnering with Porch Creek Indians for the city’s transportation needs rather than using commercial carriers, transportation savings will be immediately noticed and scheduling for dependable deliveries will be gained.

The City of Brewton also partnered recycling efforts by designating the Brewton Middle School, Coastal Community College, and the Brewton Area YMCA as new collection sites across the Brewton City limits. These sites were selected for convenience to citizens, but also for the participation of these organizations in self-monitoring the recycling bins on their property while collecting their own recycling at each campus. For their willingness to participate, each campus is going to be displayed on the new transport bins that are getting a new color scheme and graphics.

While other cities are scrapping their recycling efforts due to poor participation or issues with contamination, Brewton and Porch Creek Indians are expanding their efforts and funding. The new bins will serve as rolling billboards that promote recycling and reward the new players with recognition.