Will you get Caught Green Handed?

Rutherford County citizens who recycle may receive prizes for their efforts under the “Caught Green Handed” initiative sponsored by Operation: Rutherford Recycles and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

“Caught Green Handed” seeks to bring attention to recycling in Rutherford County since the Middle Point Landfill has an impending closure. The closure will affect Rutherford County businesses and residents.

Solid Waste Director Mac Nolen said, “We want to help the community understand the importance recycling so that, when the landfill closes, all of us are ready to change the way we dispose of our trash. Our recycling rates are nowhere near where they should be. Rutherford County has around a 17% recycling rate when we should be closer to 25-30%.”

Rutherford County residents may get “Caught Green Handed” from March 1 to May 30 at any of the 15 Recycling Centers throughout the county and other random locations to win a business sponsored prize. In order to be “Caught Green Handed,” individuals must be “caught” recycling correctly or being environmentally friendly.

Deputy Amanda McPherson will assist in catching residents recycling during the initiative.

“I am excited to do my part to preserve the environment,” McPherson said. “Most people don’t realize the damage to the environment that our waste is causing and how simple steps can greatly reduce our footprint.”

The initiative is sponsored by over 10 different Rutherford County businesses. Each business has donated prizes to hand-out to residents who get caught. More than 60 residents will be awarded throughout the three-month initiative.

Caraustar, Publix, Malco Roxy, Dominos, The Artful Doughnut, The Flower Pot of Smyrna, Lanes Trains and Automobiles, Murfreesboro Strike and Spare, Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, Recycle Balls, and Animal City of Murfreesboro have each sponsored prizes to give out during the initiative.