Lawrence County schools and their supporters earned an A+ in the subject of recycling during 2009, keeping thousands of pounds of waste out of landfills.

Lawrence County’s 15 public and private schools and their supporters recycled 711,963 pounds or 356 tons of materials between January and December of 2009.  Those who contributed recyclables to schools helped them to win cash awards under the Recycling Contest, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Transportation Litter Grant Program.

Ingram Sowell Elementary School claimed the first place prize of $1,200 in the contest by contributing 290,320 pounds of recyclables. Lawrenceburg Sacred Heart took the second place prize of $700 with its total of 58,373 pounds. Loretto Sacred Heart claimed third place with 42,245 pounds, winning $400.  Leoma Elementary took the fourth place prize of $200 by turning in 42,160 pounds of recyclables. In fifth place was South Lawrence Elementary, whose supporters recycled 36,340 pounds of waste in 2009 and helped the school win $100.

All other schools participating in the contest won $50 awards.  New Prospect Elementary contributed 31,660 pounds, Lawrence County High School 31,290 pounds, David Crockett Elementary 29,745 pounds, Summertown Elementary 28,370 pounds, E.O. Coffman Middle School 27,940 pounds, Summertown High School 24,530 pounds, Ethridge Elementary 22,780 pounds, Lawrenceburg Public 21,790 pounds, Loretto High School 19,870 pounds and the Seventh Day Adventist School contributed 4,550 pounds.

County Executive Paul Rosson commended each school and its supporters for another successful recycling effort. “Our schools continue to be a great partner in the recycling program,” Rosson said. “We are so proud of their hard work to lead the way in our recycling efforts.”

To participate in the recycling contest, households are encouraged to place their recyclables in the designated storage buildings located on the campus of each school. Recyclable items include newspaper, plastic items imprinted with numbers 1 and 2, aluminum cans, magazines, newspaper and cardboard.