The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) awarded the 2024 Governor鈥檚 Awards for Environmental Excellence to seven recipients during the Indiana Partners for Sustainability鈥檚 Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Indianapolis. The Dearborn County Solid Waste Management District, also known as the Dearborn County Recycling Center, received an award for the category of Recycling and Reuse.
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana鈥檚 most prestigious environmental recognition awards. They are reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary programs or projects that positively impact Indiana鈥檚 environment and demonstrate measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits. The selection process is highly competitive.
The Dearborn County Solid Waste Management District received the award for its robust group of reuse programs, including a reuse center for school and craft supplies, a formal dress exchange, a costume exchange, an event d茅cor lending program, and a holiday item giveaway. The purpose of all of the reuse programs is to divert reusable materials from disposal in landfills while, at the same time, supplying residents with valuable, needed items. The programs help educators in Dearborn County save money on classroom items and provide a place for educators to donate items they no longer need. Meanwhile, local families save money on events and give single-use items, such as costumes, a second life.