Tumalo Community School and UDI Corp. were among the winners of the Bend Garbage & Recycling and High Country Disposal “Recycler of the Year” award for 2006 efforts. Nominated by recycling route drivers from each garbage company, awarded businesses and individuals are recognized for their outstanding recycling.

“With our Recycler of the Year awards, we recognize those who go the extra mile to recycle more, are innovative with their efforts, or start new programs,” said Merle Irvine, General Manager of Bend Garbage & Recycling and High Country Disposal. “We congratulate all of our recyclers for the difference they are making."

Bend Garbage & Recycling named Joan Landsberg of Bend, and George and Sharon Evans of Redmond as residential Recyclers of the Year. Tumalo Community School and UDI Corp took honors in the commercial category in their respective service areas.

Bend Garbage and Recycling awarded special honors to the Riverhouse Convention Center and its builder, Kirby Nagelhout Construction for their recycling efforts in 2006.

The Riverhouse Convention Center and Kirby Nagelhout Construction were nominated, in part, for their certification with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.