Top 100 Abitibi Paper Retriever sites named
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Every little bit counts when it comes to recycling - even a single thin sheet of paper.

Acknowledging organizations' efforts to recycle paper, Abitibi Paper Retriever has named its top 100 collections, based on tons collected.

The company provides green and yellow bins to organizations to collect recyclable paper and cardboard. The collections are weighed and the organization receives money for its collection. The money is used for charitable groups and as a fundraiser for schools, churches and other associations.

On Nov. 5, the top 100 participants were recognized during a ceremony at the Buffalo-Niagara Marriott.

Clearfield and Eggertsville libraries were the only two libraries to make the list. Clearfield was 46th and Eggertsville was 92nd.

"Our patrons are very loyal. Three to four years ago when we had those budget cuts, there was overwhelming support for the library as a whole. The patrons really pitch in when they can," said Kevin Zawadzki, caretaker at the Clearfield Library.

That includes loading the two bins at the Clearfield branch to the brim every week. Each bin holds approximately two tons of paper.

He said the branches recorded a large increase in donations over the past year, making the program a good fundraiser for the Amherst library system.

Eggertsville's caretaker Bob Nemmer is credited with starting the Abitibi program at the libraries. With all the paper used by the libraries it just made sense to have bins placed on the premises.

"Since we got the recycling bins our garbage has been cut in half; most of our waste is paper," Zawadzki said. "The program has worked great for us."

All four of the Amherst branches take part in the program.

Also recognized from the town were: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 9th; St. Benedict Catholic Church, 12th; St. Leo the Great Church; 18th; IMMCO Diagnostics, 40th; Bee Publications, 65th; and St. Mary's Church, 76th.

Abitibi's mission has been to increase recycling rates and environmental awareness in the Western New York area. According to the company, one ton of recycling paper saves 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 4,102 kilowatts of electricity, 60 pounds of air pollution and 70 gallons of water.