Meet Newtown's Super Recyclers

Going green can be a challenge.

But for 10 Newtown Township households, as well as a number of businesses, it was one worth tackling last year.

During last week’s Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting, local trash collector George Leck and Son, Inc. paired with Recyclebank to present a special recognition of the 10 people and their families that led the way the “Outstanding Efforts in Residential Recycling” efforts last year.

“I’m very, very proud of all our residents who have participated so hard,” said Walter Leck. “It went so well that we’re going to have to get a bigger plaque.”

The people on this year’s list were: Denise Albert, James Agasar, Dennis Hornung, Michael Kaner, John McIntyre, Joanne Ludwig, Alicia Coughlan, Joe Caracappa, Anna Lally and Debbie Kopytoko. Those in attendance were presented a green bag by Leck and Bob Milligan of Recyclebank.

“It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s a win for the township,” said Milligan. “It’s obviously a win for the residents.”

“But most of all,” he added, “It’s a win for the environment.”

It took a lot of conservation to earn the honors, though. The lowest household recycling amount in the top 10 was 2,143 pounds, while the top residence saved 3,016 pounds.

In all, Tina Leck said Newtown Township alone recycled 862 tons of what would have been disposed garbage. Further, it cut back 787 metric tons of carbon emissions. Those conservation totals make up the saving of about 3.6 million gallons of water, over 500,000 gallons of oil and nearly 8,800 trees.

“I think you guys are doing a great job of making a great community,” Tina Leck said.

George Leck and Son, Inc. has been working with Recyclebank to give its customers the opportunity to recycle and save money at participating businesses through a rewards program.

In Newtown, merchants involved in the rewards program include Shady Brook Farm, Blossom, Newtown Book & Record, Isaac Newton’s, the Newtown Arts Company, Newtown Hardware, and more.