News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been honored with the "Torch Award" for Exemplary Achievement in Recycling and Waste Management by the Minorities Recycling Council of the National Recycling Coalition (NRC).

The Torch Award is presented annually to individuals, businesses and organizations that have exhibited a strong commitment to preserving a sustainable environment through efforts in recycling and waste management. The award was presented recently at the council's annual conference, held this year in Cincinnati.

"ODNR's assistance and relationship with local recycling and litter prevention programs allowed the Minorities Recycling Council to conduct two major workshops in Ohio this year," said Kenneth Seeney, NRC Board Member and Chairman of the Minorities Recycling Council's Awards Committee. "These workshops were designed to educate local officials and recycling professionals on how to effectively work with diverse and economically underserved communities," he said.

"Partnering with organizations such as the National Recycling Coalition has been very beneficial to Ohio's recycling and litter prevention programs," said Michael Canfield, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention. "Their expertise has been very valuable to recycling leaders across the state, as they address ways to increase recycling opportunities in Ohio's urban areas."