Page 8 - Nov-Dec 2019 Vol37 No5
P. 8
EAST TENNESSEE By Michaele Butler
Michael Dunn Center Recycling
Program: Green Solutions & Jobs
What better combination could there waste stream, with material previously Center work programs staff pick up co-
be between green solutions for home going to valuable landfill space, now used mingled plastics and aluminum cans from
and business needs, and employment for other products. 58 ORNL sites, bringing the material back
opportunities for individuals living with to Michael Dunn’s property to sort and
disabilities and challenges? The Michael Paper, plastic, aluminum, and send to recycling vendors for processing.
Dunn Center (MDC) accomplishes both corrugated material are processed
with its recycling program. at Michael Dunn Center Recycling As a result, Michael Dunn Center
Building, located on Highway 58 near Work Programs were awarded “2010
Michael Dunn Center Work Programs Interstate I-40. Different grades of paper Recycler of the Year” by the Tennessee
have been providing recycling services are sorted to be baled, sold to recyclers, Recycling Coalition. Center officials
since 2000. Its recycling program and delivered to local end users. Local said the award engendered a keen sense
includes aluminum, plastic, paper and paper companies use the recycled paper of pride by their individuals living with
corrugated cardboard. In addition to make toilet paper and paper towels disabilities, who previously had not been
to recycling, MDC provides litter and other products. Plastic is used to employed, and who now feel that they are
control services and secure document make carpets, underground piping, paint contributing members of society.
destruction. pails, and plastic containers.
Ralph Stewart, Roane County Solid
Michael Dunn Center’s recycling In 2010, Michael Dunn Center won Waste Coordinator, said the center’s hard
program provides jobs for many people, a competitive bid contract at ORNL, in work is fostering positive change in the
including those with disabilities. The which the Center’s personnel recycle county, since Roane County “is under
program’s positive impact on the plastics and aluminum cans produced a State of Tennessee mandate to reduce
environment includes reduction of the at the Lab. Once weekly, Michael Dunn the amount of waste going to landfills by
8 TPW November/December 2019
