Kathleen Casey of the Green Machine Named "Recycler of the Year" by RWS

PORTLAND, Maine - The Recycling Committee of Regional Waste Systems, Inc. has named Kathleen Casey its "Recycler of the Year" for her efforts and success at promoting recycling among small businesses.

Casey, 26, a resident of Portland who founded a recycling business in 1998 called the Green Machine, was presented with the award by Recycling Committee Chair Carol Fritz of Cape Elizabeth at the recent RWS annual meeting. Each year, the volunteer committee honors someone who has increased or improved recycling in southern Maine. Portland Mayor Cheryl Leeman, who helped bring curbside recycling to Portland, received the award last year.

Casey, who provides recycling options for more than 50 businesses in the region, works out of a green pickup truck and a small office at 142 High Street in the State Theater building in Portland. Since 1998, the Green Machine has diverted more than 1 million pounds of waste from the traditional burn or bury waste stream. Casey, along with her sister and business partner, Moria, focuses on overall waste reduction as well.

"She is a truly dedicated and enterprising young woman," said Fritz. "But she is also making a difference, and that's important. Her efforts are helping small businesses reduce waste, simple as that. She deserves our recognition."

The award is part of an annual recognition program initiated by RWS, which includes a youth essay contest during the school year to promote and encourage recycling in the region. RWS also has a recycling mascot called "Reggie" who is available for public and school events, and a recycling display for towns to use at fairs, events and in town offices.

RWS is a non-profit organization that handles the solid waste management and recycling needs of its 21 owner communities and also serves six associate members in southern Maine. It is owned and controlled by its member municipalities. RWS also has the largest municipal recycling program in the state, with more than 100 drop-off recycling bins set up in more than 60 locations. For more information on RWS and its programs, visit http://www.regionalwaste.org.

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