Lawrence County schools and their supporters made great strides at recycling during the year 2007, keeping nearly 457 tons of recyclable waste out of landfills.

Working together, 15 schools and their supporters recycled 913,477 pounds of materials between January and December of 2007. These efforts resulted in savings to the county of approximately $16,000 in solid waste transfer fees and produced an undetermined amount of revenues through the sale of recyclables. Those who contributed recyclables on behalf of schools helped those schools to win cash awards under the Recycling Contest, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Transportation Litter Grant Program.

Ingram Sowell Elementary School claimed the first place prize of $1,200 in the contest, contributing 131,183 pounds of recyclables. Loretto Sacred Heart placed second with 101,860 pounds, winning $700. South Lawrence Elementary School recycled 87,032 pounds of waste in 2007, winning the third place prize of $400. Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart took fourth place, with 78,310 pounds, and won $200. Leoma Elementary recycled 76,065 pounds of waste and took the fifth place prize of $100.

All other schools who participated in the contest won $50 awards. David Crockett Elementary contributed 70,005 pounds, New Prospect 65,320 pounds, Summertown Elementary 53,300 pounds, Summertown High School 50,912 pounds, E.O. Coffman Middle School 46,920 pounds, LCHS 44,860 pounds, Ethridge 44,330 pounds, Lawrenceburg Public 34,220, Loretto High School 28,600, and the Seventh Day Adventist School contributed 560 pounds.

On behalf of Lawrence County Government, County Executive Paul Rosson commends all schools and their supporters who helped make the 2007 recycling effort an outstanding success. ?We are building on what was already a very successful recycling program in Lawrence County,? Rosson said. ?Our partnership with local schools is a key part of expanding these efforts.?

Those who would like to help with the recycling effort may take recyclables to the solid waste transfer station on Baler Drive and declare which school they are helping. Recyclables may also be taken to each school campus and placed in the recyclable storage buildings.