FLORENCE – There haven’t been any touchdowns yet at Bank Independent Stadium, but the University of North Alabama and the city of Florence celebrated a big score Thursday.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management awarded UNA and the city a $145,585 grant to increase recycling efforts at sports venues and for the community.
“UNA’s ongoing partnership with the city of Florence paved the way for this generous grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management,” said UNA’s President Dr. Ken Kitts. “We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate that sustainability and school spirit go hand-in-hand. Fans of Lions Athletics can join us in protecting the environment while cheering on our teams.”
The funding will enhance recycling efforts in athletic and community settings by providing new recycling receptacles at UNA’s 10,000-seat Bank Independent Stadium and surrounding athletic fields, as well as supporting the purchase of an enclosed event recycling trailer and pickup truck for the city of Florence.
ADEM’s grant program is in its 17th year, and the effect it is having statewide is being noticed, according to ADEM Director Edward Poolos.
“ADEM is delighted to be able to again award grants to assist and, in many cases, enable these worthy recycling projects,” he said in a statement. “We can clearly see the impact this funding is having as recycling continues to grow in Alabama. Every item that is recycled is one less item that ends up in a landfill or littered alongside our roads, on our land or in our water.”
Mayor Andrew Betterton thanked ADEM for its investment and UNA for its partnership.
“This grant gives us the ability to expand recycling into UNA’s new stadium and athletic fields, where fans, students, and families can easily take part,” he said. “We are grateful for ADEM’s continued support of Florence’s recycling program and for UNA’s commitment to making recycling a visible and convenient part of campus and community life.”
“At UNA Athletics, we take pride not only in how our teams perform on the field but also in how we represent our university and community,” said Dr. Josh Looney, UNA Director of Athletics.
“This grant allows us to show leadership beyond athletics by making recycling part of the game day experience.”
Florence has the added distinction of having the first municipal recycling program in Alabama; this grant enhances the robust program that includes curbside pickup for residents as well as a drop-off site at the recycling center.
“We accept a wide range of materials including cardboard, paper, aluminum, steel, cooking and motor oils, electronics, and plastics such as HDPE and PETE that are sold to local industries like Constellium, Essity, and Indorama,” said David Koonce, Florence Solid Waste, Street, and Recycle manager. “These companies are major employers in the Shoals, which makes recycling not only an environmental success but also an economic driver for our community.”
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