TOH Celebrates Old Mill School's Recycling Initiative

Town of Hempstead officials hosted "Recycling Relay," which kicked off the expansion of the town's recycling program and celebrated Old Mill Road Elementary School's recycling initiative on Tuesday. 

Old Mill Road School was selected as the launch location of the expansion after the town learned of a recycling initiative that students participated in during Earth Week.  The student body, which includes 477 children, collected 5, 637 plastic bottles in five days. 

"We are here to celebrate the boys and girls of Old Mill Road School for all that you have done," Town Supervisor Kate Murray said. 

"We wanted to recognize all the students who participated in this great effort," Councilman Gary Hudes said. "You guys did a great job and you will continue." 

Murray said that Old Mill Road School was the perfect location to launch the expansion of the town's improved recycling program. 

The town is expanding its plastic recycling from water and soda bottles, as well as shampoo bottles and other household plastic containers. New items that can be recycled are plastic playground equipment, straws and medicine bottles. 

"Everything we recycle means that we are putting less garbage in our landfills," Murray said. "Recycling only requires a small amount of time, while saving money and reducing pollution." 

North Merrick Schools Superintendent David Feller said that he is glad that the kids are taking steps in saving the environment.

"I am extremely proud of the students," he said. "This shows that North Merrick cares about the earth and the children are leading the way."