Student proposes citywide recycling push: Hefty Renew bags, tours and new bins

Noelle Griffith presented a student‑led recycling and community engagement proposal to the New Albany Sustainability Advisory Board on July 8 that would distribute 153 Hefty Renew bags, organize guided tours to the Rumpke recycling facility for about 75 residents, and pursue a SWACO/Ohio Equities grant to install 16 recycling bins in Bevelheimer Park and at Market Street.

“I think it’s very important to divert trash from the landfills and try to expand the lifespan of our waste land here in Columbus,” Griffith told the board, describing a mix of education, community tours and infrastructure to increase recycling and composting. Griffith said she has discussed the plan with Parks & Rec staff and Ohio Equities and expects SWACO to cover bin costs in Market Street while the city would act as the formal applicant for the grant that requires a 20% cash match.

Griffith asked the board to consider funding 17 cases of Hefty Renew bags (153 units; approximately $1,123) and noted a potential $6,176 SWACO grant (with a 20% match) to fund bins; she also proposed offering shuttle bus transportation for Rumpke tours and distributing bags at farmers markets.

Board members and staff discussed grant timing, what the 20% match can cover, whether consumables like bags are eligible under the SWACO match, possible in‑kind donations from Hefty or Kroger, and city procurement (staff said the city is tax‑exempt and would handle purchases if it funds the project). Staff recommended that Griffith apply for the SWACO grant and submit a formal student‑leaders application to the board for any requested local funds; staff will review and bring applications back for board action.