Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH -- A local non-profit organization recently received national attention for its efforts in encouraging recycling during the nation's largest community improvement program.

When it took part in the Great American Cleanup between March and May, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful set a new record with a total of 4 million plastic bottles recycled.

For its efforts, Keep America Beautiful and Nestle Pure Life honored the organization with a 2011 Recycling Award "as one of the top recyclers in the nation."

Connie Wiggins, executive director of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, said locals should be proud of the accolade -- the organization's second consecutive Recycling Award.

"Gwinnettians have shown once again that recycling is a great way to help our environment and support green jobs," Wiggins said. "Our efforts supply needed materials to local manufacturers and support our state's economy. We are honored to be recognized for the second year in a row for our ongoing efforts to improve our community and environment."

Wiggins said during the Great American Cleanup, locals dropped off their plastic bottles at the Recycling Bank of Gwinnett. The bottles were loaded on three tractor trailer trucks and driven to Dalton, where Mohawk Industries used them to make new carpets.

According to its website, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful is a non-profit organization "whose community based network focuses on finding long-term solutions to environmental and quality of life issues through individual action."

For more information about the Great American Cleanup and recycling in Gwinnett, visit www.gwinnettcb.org or call (770) 822-5187.

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is located at 4300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth.