May 25, 2007
Boy Scout inspires recycling initiative
BILL McDONALD (Connecticut Post)

MILFORD — The city's latest recycling initiative comes through a Boy Scout's suggestion.

In an announcement Friday on the steps of City Hall, Mayor James L. Richetelli praised St. Ann School sixth-grader Todd Manning as the impetus for a public-private partnership to provide 50 recycling receptacles at city parks and beaches.

"We're kicking off the city's expanded recycling program," Richetelli said before a crowd of city officials and school children. "Twenty years ago, we started curbside recycling for homes, but we never put receptacles at parks and beaches."

The cost of the program is $15,000, or $300 for each receptacle. Super Stop & Shop, Adam's Supermarket, ShopRite and other companies are paying two-thirds of the cost, and the city one-third from its recycling fund, the mayor said.

The idea for the new recycling receptacles was set in motion when Manning made a request to the Board of Aldermen in December.

The aldermen promptly passed a resolution that ended in Friday's announcement, Richetelli said. "It came down to logistics and money. We partnered with the agencies and it worked out," Richetelli said.

Manning later explained that his Troop 196, which meets at East Shore Middle School, sells hot dogs at various events held on the Milford Green and at other city parks. But he has never seen bins or receptacles there to gather recyclable bottles and cans.

Suzanne Manning, his mother, brought him to a meeting of 3rd District Democrats, of which she is a member, and Todd was encouraged to bring the idea to the aldermen. Todd gave a short speech to the aldermen in December, after which the board passed a resolution that such a plan be authorized.

"I didn't know they passed it until the next day when my mom found out," Todd said. "I hear they'll be installed in the next few weeks. I can't wait to see them."

His mother was glad her son saw an example of government at work. "I'm proud of him," Manning said. "It shows that kids can get involved and make a difference. It doesn't matter how old you are."

Members of Milford Environmental Concerns Coalition also attended Friday's announcement, including Diane Vasseur, the group's recycling chairman.

"I think it's an excellent example of businesses cooperating with a municipality," Vasseur said. "We commend Todd for his efforts."

She added that her committee has started its own initiative to reduce recyclable waste in schools, public buildings and businesses. ECC is looking to hook up with representatives from each of those groups on the matter, she said.