SERDC Honors Alcoa with LEAP Award for Recycling Leadership

Alcoa is the inaugural winner of the LEAP award for recycling leadership given by the Southeast Recycling Development Council (SERDC), an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable recycling in the Southeast U.S. The award recognizes corporate leadership in the drive to increase recycling rates in the region.

“SERDC is pleased to recognize Alcoa's longstanding commitment to recycling and materials management,” said Will Sagar, executive director of SERDC. “Alcoa has been proactive in supporting collection of materials, not only aluminum, but all recyclables. Alcoa's responsible approach and investment in infrastructure has demonstrated leadership that serves as a model for the industry. We look forward to continuing our collaborative effort with Alcoa and others to promote sustainable recycling in 11 southeastern states.”

“Alcoa is proud to accept this first LEAP award, but even prouder of the collaborative work we do with SERDC and its members,” said Beth Schmitt, director of recycling programs for Alcoa. “Collaboration is the cornerstone of the Action to Accelerate Recycling initiative we announced last month at the Clinton Global Initiative.”

“Despite increases in the number of cans recycled in the U.S. last year, we have a long way to go,” Schmitt said. “Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable and when we recycle them, we save 95 percent of the energy needed to make aluminum cans from scratch. Recycling those cans creates real value, and it creates jobs in the southeast. That’s why no can should ever see a landfill.”