Marketplace Launches Green Initiative with New Recycling Program and Electric Service Vehicle

February 22, 2008, Burlington,VT

The City of Burlington's Church Street Marketplace announced today the implementation of public recycling containers and use of an electric service vehicle on the Church Street.  The measures are a major aspect of the Marketplace's vision to make one of the country's most successful pedestrian malls environmentally sustainable.

"Our vision for the next 25 years includes Church Street becoming a 'green street,'" said Mayor Bob Kiss.  "This can be realized in a variety of ways - from energy saving street lights and recycling to partnerships between local farmers and our dining establishments."

The electric vehicle and 24 recycling containers are part of a list of recommendations made by Church Street's Green Street Advisory Committee, formed in 2007 by the Mayor's Office and the Church Street Marketplace.  The committee, comprised of representatives from the public, private and non-profit sectors, has begun identifying programs and strategies that are environmentally friendly and increase Church Street's sustainability.

The cost of the new electric vehicle and recycling containers - valued at $60,000 - has been underwritten by Casella/All Cycle Waste Management. 

"This is a demonstration of Casella's commitment to more sustainable practices and we're thrilled to be in partnership with them," added Kiss. 

The Chittenden Solid Waste District has also provided support to the project.

Each of the green-colored steel recycling containers holds up to 24-gallons of material.  Church Street's recycling containers will be "all-in-one;" they can accept glass, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, plastic and aluminum.  The containers are manufactured by Victor Stanley Company of Dunkirk, Maryland.

The electric vehicle, an ET3000, is manufactured by Taylor-Dunn Manufacturing Co. of Annaheim, California.  Marketplace maintenance staff will use it as a service vehicle, primarily to move trash and recycling to off street collection points.  It will replace a gas-powered vehicle.