Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. announced it is expanding its Paper Retriever Program into seven additional U.S. metropolitan markets, including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The program will now operate in 23 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada and provide more than 14,000 drop-off bins.

The Paper Retriever Program makes drop-off paper recycling more convenient by offering its service to no cost to organizations hosting its distinctive green-and-yellow bins.

The program also offers monetary incentives to communities to recycle. For high volume participants, the Paper Retriever contributes money to non-profit organizations based on the amount of paper collected in each bin.

In 2004, Paper Retriever organizations received $2.8 million to restore playgrounds, enhance libraries, award scholarships, provide team uniforms, support field and mission trips and many other projects. The community spirit and initiative to raise money for local non-profits also raises awareness of recycling.

Seven of the 21 school districts in Montgomery County are participating in Paper Retriever. Prior to signing on some of those school districts were not recycling paper at all.

“When it comes to teaching about recycling, there is no substitute for learning by doing,” said Dave Mazza, director of the Pennsylvania Resources Council’s Western Pennsylvania office.

The Paper Retriever program is also attractive to businesses, which can host a bin and have their recyclable papers collected at no cost. “That is especially important for small- to mid-sized businesses where recycling has not always been economically feasible,” Mazza said. “It is an opportunity for those small businesses to recycle and not have to incur disposals costs.”

Following the expansion, Abitibi’s Paper Retriever bins will be available in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Westmoreland and Washington counties in the Pittsburgh region. In the Philadelphia area, bins will be available in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

To find Paper Retriever recycling containers, go to the Abitibi webpage.

11/25/2005