FedEx selects Keystone Science School as beneficiary of recycling program

KEYSTOINE - The Keystone Center's program division Keystone Science School has been selected as the beneficiary of an inkjet cartridge recycling program launched in early August by FedEx and EnviroSmart. Proceeds from the program will provide partial scholarships for up to 100 students to attend Keystone Science School's summer education programs.

The pilot program, launched August 4 at all seven FedEx locations in Memphis, Tenn., encourages FedEx employees to deposit used inkjet cartridges in workplace collection containers for recycling by EnviroSmart - the world's leading independent recycler of printer cartridges. EnviroSmart uses FedEx to ship the used cartridges to its recycling center and also pays FedEx for each recycled inkjet cartridge. FedEx's goal of collecting 8,000 cartridges by the end of 2006 would generate about $10,000, which FedEx is donating to support Keystone Science School's education programs.

"Upon successful completion of the Memphis pilot program, we hope to expand it with the ultimate goal of having collection containers at all FedEx office locations," said Mitch Jackson, managing director, corporate environmental programs, FedEx Express. "This project shows the value our employees bring, not only for customers like EnviroSmart, but for our communities as well. FedEx is proud to be working with EnviroSmart and The Keystone Center, which actively provides community support through its educational programs and continually demonstrates that the sound education of a child secures a sustainable future."

"The Keystone Center is thrilled to be partnering with FedEx and EnviroSmart on this unique program that will enable economically disadvantaged youth to attend Keystone Science School's Discovery Camp, Counselor Assistant Program and Keystone Mountain Adventures," remarked Kasey Geoghegan, director of development and community relations at The Keystone Center.

EnviroSmart collects and remanufactures used inkjet cartridges so they can reenter the marketplace as consumer goods. "Most inkjet cartridges can be reused more than once, therefore, EnviroSmart is pursuing a closed loop solution for 100 percent of the empty cartridges that are received through our nationwide collection partners such as businesses, schools and charity organizations," said George Skivington, president of EnviroSmart. "With the help of our collection partners, EnviroSmart can save more of these resources from landfills and give the financial and environmental benefits back to our communities. We are very excited to be working with FedEx and The Keystone Center on the FedEx Employee Inkjet Recycling Program."

Inkjet cartridge recycling bins are also in place at The Keystone Center's headquarters at 1628 Sts. John Road in Keystone. Individuals interested in participating in this program are welcome to recycle their inkjet cartridges at The Keystone Center.