Billboards will be going up throughout Erie County beginning this week asking each person to “Do Your Part, Recycle.” This positive action benefits both the environment and demonstrates a unified regional recycling message.

     Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning Laurence K. Rubin said, “Recycling can save the taxpayers money and protect the environment at the same time.”

     Much of the cost saving comes from the fact that every item that is recycled does not get disposed of with the regular trash. Every municipality must pay to dispose of its garbage, and many get paid for recycling. For every ton of garbage that is taken to a landfill or waste-to-energy facility in Erie County, a municipality pays between $27 and $45.

     The full-color billboards were designed by Lamar Advertising and feature the hopeful face of a young child holding a recycling bin.

     “Recycling is all about the future,” Gary C. Carrel, Erie County solid waste recycling specialist, said. "We want to remind everyone that each and every one of us can make a difference by taking the time to recycle.” This campaign will also be reflected in future months through posters, bumper stickers and other advertising mechanisms.

     “Do Your Part, Recycle” is being promoted by the three solid waste boards representing all municipalities in Erie County.

     The Northeast-Southtowns Solid Waste Management Board covers those municipalities in southern Erie County while the Northwest Solid Waste Management Board represents northern Erie County municipalities.

     The City of Buffalo is working with Erie County government and the not-for-profit Keep Western New York Beautiful, Inc. to increase recycling and plan for solid waste management. The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning provides assistance to all three boards.

     To find out more or to get involved, call the Erie County Recycling hotline at 858-6996.

     Members of the Northeast-Southtowns Solid Waste Management Board include the Village of Gowanda, Village of North Collins, Town of Brant, Town of Collins, and Town of North Collins.