# Great Recycling Program: A Green Initiative in NYC

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/great-recycling-program-a-green-initiative-in-nyc/
- Published: 2012-05-04T17:50:08-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Times Square Recycling Program Collects 15,000 Bottles in One Day

### Big City, Big Impact

In the heart of Times Square, something green happened. A recycling program made
a bold debut — and it didn’t go unnoticed. In just one day, the campaign collected
more than 15,000 beverage containers. That’s not just impressive. That’s a wake-
up call for how much waste we generate — and what we can do about it.

### Recycling Takes Center Stage

The program was part of the “Great Recycle” campaign by Honest Tea, in partnership
with the New York City Department of Sanitation and other environmental groups. 
They set up a massive 30-foot-tall blue bin and invited passersby to recycle on 
the spot. In return, they offered thank-you [gifts](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/biophilic-office-design-bringing-nature-into-the-workplace/)
like reusable bottles and drinks. Even better, it sparked conversations about sustainability
in the middle of one of the busiest places on Earth.

### Why It Worked

It was visible. It was easy. And it was fun. That combination matters. Many people
want to do the right thing, but they need reminders — and access. By bringing the
recycling message directly to the public in a high-traffic area, the [organizers made it almost](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/08/my-organic-blueberries-are-almost-done-for-this-season/)
impossible to ignore.

### Education Meets Action

Beyond collecting plastic and cans, the event taught people how recycling fits into
the bigger picture. Volunteers shared facts about waste, climate change, and how
every bottle reused helps reduce pollution. Many who participated said it made them
rethink their habits — not just in Times Square, but at home too.

![Large blue recycling bin shaped like a bottle in times square surrounded by people
participating in a public recycling event amid tall buildings and digital billboards](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/B267FAEE-0EF9-4797-
95BE-8C9D9197722A.png?resize=200%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Recycle times square - 
The Green Living Guy")

AI

### The Ripple Effect

The success didn’t end in New York. The Great Recycle tour hit other cities afterward,
proving this model works. When people see recycling as a shared, positive act — 
not a chore — they engage. And from there, the change can grow.

### The Takeaway

One day. One bin. Fifteen thousand chances to do better. That’s what the Great Recycle
proved — even in a place like Times Square, small actions can lead to big shifts.

[Sources](https://www.honesttea.com/blog/2012/05/03/the-great-recycle-times-square/):
Honest Tea

 

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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