Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 12:45 pm

The Messenger 03.18.09

UTM Recycles! at the University of Tennessee at Martin was recently recognized with an Award of Excellence in the public education category at the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)/Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB) 2009 Biennial State Conference in Nashville.

The award was presented by TDOT Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely during the Awards of Excellence banquet, which was held the first night of the conference.

A plaque and $1,000 grant check to enhance recycling efforts were awarded for the organization’s work.

KTnB recognizes the environmental achievements and legacies of people and organizations working to improve their community’s appearance through public education programs. The event recognized 24 winners from around the state. Grant checks totaling $40,000 were presented.

Earlier this year, recycling efforts at UT Martin gained recognition and a $1,000 Wal-Mart Foundation community grant. The grant will benefit the newly opened UT Martin Recycling Center, located on Moody Street. The new, larger facility provides additional room for processing and storing and better dock access. The expanded recycling center also was featured in the Tennessee Recycling Coalition weekly online newsletter in February.

UTM Recycles! partners and sponsors include the American Democracy Project, the UT Martin College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the UT Martin Physical Plant, Sodexo and university student organizations, including the Agronomy Club, Tri-Beta and Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.

For more information on recycling at UT Martin, contact Dennis Kosta at (731) 881-7640 or dkosta@utm.edu. To learn how to join UTM Recycles! or volunteer at an event, contact Dr. Angie MacKewn at 881-7370 or amackewn@utm.edu.