Eugene, Ore. --- NextStep Recycling was presented with the prestigious TomMcClure Award for Outstanding Environmental and Community Leadership awardat the National Recycling Coalition Conference in Denver, Colo. on Sept. 17.
The organization was nominated by the following agencies and/or individuals:

    
• Julie Daniel, Executive Director, BRING Recycling

    

• Sarah Grimm, Waste Reduction Specialist, Department of Public Works Waste Management Division

    

• Mike Sims, Lane Community College Recycling Coordinator

    

• Rick Tromel, volunteer staff at NextStep

    

• Chris Horton, NextStep volunteer, Master Recycler

NextStep Recycling was selected for the award for its outstanding efforts toeducate and empower disadvantaged individuals and organizations by providingrefurbished computers allowing access to technology and the Internet;recycle computers and other electronics in an environmentally sound manner,keeping hazardous waste out of Oregon’s soil and water environments; provideskill-training opportunities to those who are considered unemployable, arecurrently underemployed, and/or are people new to the job market; and offereducation to the general public regarding the importance of electronics andpolystyrene foam recycling and the impact of these kinds of waste on ourenvironment. To date, NextStep has refurbished 11,000 computers, andrecycled 2,000,000 pounds (1,000 tons) of obsolete electronics that wouldotherwise end up in our landfill.
We wish to thank all of our incredibly dedicated volunteers and staff for takingNextStep to this level of achievement!