The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning has announced that Solid Waste Recycling Specialist Gary Carrel has been named the recipient of the 2018 Recycling Leadership Award in the public sector category by the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (“NYSAR”), a statewide professional recycling association. Carrel was recognized for his outstanding efforts in coordinating many successful waste reduction and environmental protection programs, including recovery of hundreds of tons of household hazardous waste and unwanted electronics, as well as innovative public education campaigns to increase the collection of textiles and clothing for reuse and recycling. An Amherst resident, Carrel received the award at the NYSAR conference in Cooperstown, NY in November.

“Gary is a terrific employee who is always looking for ways to improve our programs and for ways to better serve the community. He is an asset to our department and is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning Thomas Hersey.

In his role in the Department of Environment and Planning Carrel has been at the forefront of programs such as Pollution Prevention through Art, the BYO Bag Coalition, the WNY Environmental Summit, and Party for the Planet as well as other departmental initiatives.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit  http://www2.erie.gov/environment/   

About NYSAR:

NYSAR3, the premiere recycling organization in New York State, provides members with expertise and education on waste reduction, reuse and recycling issues and practices to improve the environment. The group advocates for policies and programs that support environmental sustainability in the Empire State and provides access to a network of individuals and organizations that share ideas about starting and improving reduction, reuse, and recycling programs, as well as information on education and funding. For more information, visit https://www.nysar3.org/ .

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