Coca-Cola and the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) announced a new recycling bin grant program designed to promote and support community recycling in the U.S. Through this innovative grant, recipients will have the benefit of both the donated recycle bins and the expertise on how to set up recycling programs from the National Recycling Coalition. Grants will be provided for recycle bins at sporting events, music venues, schools and commercial locations. The grant program is part of Coca-Cola’s $60 million investment in recycling programs and initiatives in the U.S.

“We are excited to partner with Coca-Cola to offer a recycling bin grant program to communities and businesses,” said Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition. “The program is designed to increase recycling rates across the country by helping to off-set the initial costs of recycling bins.”

The bin grant program leverages the purchasing power and expertise of the NRC and Coca-Cola to provide more recycling bins than would be possible if grant recipients were to purchase bins independently. The NRC also will contact grantees to offer guidance and consultation on setting up a recycling program, assess recycling bin needs and determine bin selection. NRC bin suppliers will then deliver bins directly to the recipients.

The grant program is open to city, government and school organizations as well as non-profit groups and for-profit companies. Interested parties may apply for the grant at NRC’s website: www.bingrant.org. Eligible grant activities include establishing a recycling program at schools, universities, sporting or recreation venues, parks, cultural events or business and commercial locations. Grant recipients will be selected and awarded recycling bins throughout 2008.