By Jason Donati—
INDIANAPOLIS – On Tuesday, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) awarded the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence to seven recipients during the Indiana Partners for Sustainability’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Indianapolis.
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition awards. They are reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary programs or projects that positively impact Indiana’s environment and demonstrate measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits. The selection process is highly competitive.
“It’s rare to have multiple awards for a single category, so I am especially proud of this year’s recipients and their dedication to bringing Indiana to the Next Level by creating solutions that impact the quality of life in their communities. Their work forever stands as a true testament to the spirit of Hoosier innovation,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb.
The awards were presented as part of Pollution Prevention Week in Indiana. A copy of the proclamation, signed by Governor Holcomb, is available on IDEM’s website. IDEM Assistant Commissioner Bob Lugar and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Wodrich presented the awards on the Governor’s behalf.
The Muncie Sanitary District was awarded a 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the Recycling category, recognizing its new blue toter curbside recycling program. This program replaced the district’s 24-year-old co-mingled blue bag recycling program, significantly reducing plastic bag waste and recycling stream contamination. After almost a year of operation, over 10k residents have opted-in to recycle by taking a pledge and receiving a toter. So far, in 2024, MSD has diverted 1,436 tons (2,872,000 lbs) of recyclables from the landfill. The recycling program continues to grow and has recently expanded to collect #5 plastic.
This program would not be possible without the partnership and assistance of East Central Recycling, The Recycling Partnership, IDEM’s Recycling Market Development Program, Drive Clean Indiana, MSD employees, and the great residents of Muncie.
