By: Rob Gates
Outreach Specialist
Bluegrass Greensource

Over the past year, Bluegrass Greensource has taken steps to expand our outreach and impact in one of our western most neighbors: Anderson County. These efforts began in earnest, with a multiyear a partnership with Republic Services to assist in the roll out and continuing education for the county’s new and improved curbside recycling program. 

In early 2016, Bluegrass Greensource hosted a community forum bringing together a diverse group of local stakeholders to determine the best path forward for the new program. Since that initial meeting, Bluegrass Greensource has undertaken various education initiatives in local schools and the community to promote and educate residents about the new recycling program. These efforts have included hands-on activities at area schools, informational tabling at community events, presentations for local civic groups and businesses, and development of education materials for residents. One of the most noteworthy initiatives was a recycling themed art contest at Emma B Ward Elementary where the winner artwork was used to wrap the county’s new recycling truck!

Building upon relationships developed through the recycling program, Bluegrass Greensource has begun to move forward with partners in Anderson County on a variety of other projects as well. Staff are currently working with the Junior Conservation District to coordinate litter cleanup efforts as a participant in Bluegrass Greensource’s annual Main Street Clean Sweep. In addition, we have taken steps to partner with the City of Lawrenceburg and local businesses to provide support for environmental educational programming for local residents. We are excited about the work we have accomplished thus far and eager to see our partnerships and impact continue to grow in years to come.