Recycling Gets a Boost at Bowdoin and Wilcox Parks
Keep America Beautiful and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Fill Need for Recycling Bins in Public Parks

Poughkeepsie…Visitors to Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park and Wilcox Park will find it easier than ever to recycle with 25 new recycling bins made available through the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group /Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grant program. Dutchess County was one of 26 local and county governments selected to receive durable, 34-gallon, bright blue recycling bins.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “We have an ambitious plan to bring Dutchess County’s recycling rate to nearly 60% by 2021 as part of our “Rethinking Waste” recycling plan. Recycling numbers are on the rise and these new bins will help to continue to improve that rate. With thousands of visitors to our great county parks every year, there is a tremendous opportunity to promote recycling and this grant program is great way to do that,” stated Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie and Wilcox Park in the Town of Milan each host many popular athletic events, including cross-country races, baseball and soccer games, as well as numerous family events, including weddings, parties, camping, and picnics as well as other community activities. These activities attract thousands of visitors to the parks each year and generate a significant amount of cans and bottles, which are all recyclable. Dutchess County Parks Director Steve Olsen noted, “Recycling has always been encouraged in Dutchess County parks, but these new Dr Pepper Snapple / Keep America Beautiful recycling bins are sturdy, attractive and highly-visible and will really help encourage our visitors to recycle all of their cans or bottles.”

Dutchess County Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Lindsay Carille has been working to find ways to increase park recycling in the more than 1,000 acres of Dutchess County parkland. In addition to the new bins through the Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) and Keep America Beautiful (KAB) grant program, the Division of Solid Waste worked with local business Woodman Car Wash, who donated empty soap barrels which were then converted to recycling containers by Dutchess County park staff. “We need to be open to new ideas and new ways to reuse and recycle in order to reduce overall solid waste. We are encouraged by the progress we are making and look forward to continued improvement, not only in our county parks, but all areas of our community,” said Deputy Commissioner Carille.

“Individuals, businesses and governments all have a stake in cleaner communities and reducing waste,” said Vicki Draughn, DPS vice president of corporate affairs. “Working with Keep America Beautiful, we’re embracing the opportunity to make recycling more convenient for our valued consumers in communities across the country as they enjoy their favorite public parks and other outdoor spaces.”

“Access and convenience are two of the biggest obstacles to recycling,” said Brenda Pulley, senior vice president, recycling, Keep America Beautiful. “By making these recycling bins available in parks, nature trails, athletic fields and other public spaces, the grants awarded through our partnership with Dr Pepper Snapple will help these communities increase on-the-go recycling.”

The new recycling containers are placed at each of the park’s highly trafficked areas. At Bowdoin, the bins are located at each of the pavilions, MapleKnoll Lodge, the Community room, the baseball, softball and soccer fields, the water spray park and playground area, and at the trail heads. At Wilcox Park, the recycling containers are available at the beach snack bar, the playgrounds, each of the pavilions, and at trail heads near the campground.

In total, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group /Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grant program will provide nearly 900 recycling bins for placement in a variety of park settings nationwide. The grant program was open to all government agencies that own or manage local, regional or state park, with nonprofit organizations and KAB affiliates eligible to apply on behalf of government agencies. For a full list of communities receiving grants, visit http://irecycleonthego.wordpress.com/.

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a powerful national network of community-based affiliates and participating organizations, they work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities. Through their programs and public-private partnerships, they engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. For more information, visit kab.org, follow @kabtweet on Twitter and like them on facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful.

About Dr Pepper Snapple Group

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) is a leading producer of flavored beverages in North America and the Caribbean. Their success is fueled by more than 50 brands that are synonymous with refreshment, fun and flavor. With 6 of the top 10 non-cola soft drinks, and 13 of the 14 leading brands are No. 1 or No. 2 in their flavor categories. In addition to the flagship Dr Pepper and Snapple brands, the portfolio includes 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Clamato, Crush, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Mr & Mrs T mixers, Peñafiel, Rose's, Schweppes, Squirt and Sunkist soda. To learn more about their iconic brands and Plano, Texas-based company, please visit DrPepperSnapple.com. For their latest news and updates, follow them at Facebook.com/DrPepperSnapple or Twitter.com/DrPepperSnapple For more information on DPS's philanthropic efforts and sustainability goals, visit http://www.dpsgsustainability.com/.