July 10, 2014 - The City of Fort Wayne continues its innovative recycling ways with a new program designed to increase recycling in locations where it’s not always accessible.

The new, “Borrow-a-Bin” program will launch this weekend with the upcoming Three Rivers Festival. The program will have 50 event-ready recycling carts that can be loaned to event organizers, free of charge; the program targets common event recyclables -- such as bottles and cans.

“Ever since we launched our One Cart recycling program, community awareness about the importance of recycling has sky-rocketed. Eighty percent of the community is participating in our recycling program and many organizations have been asking us how they could have recycling at their special event or festival. Our Borrow-a-Bin program allows event goers to pitch-in recyclable products and keep them out of a landfill,” said Bob Kennedy, Director of the Division of Public Works.

The carts are a combination of garbage and recycling. The recycling portion is a clearly marked bag that is conveniently attached to the side of the cart. Studies show that more recyclables are collected with less contamination when containers are adjacent to the garbage container. Having the recyclables in the sturdy bag also makes it easier to transport. Each bag holds approximately 225-250 bottles and cans.

Event sponsors are responsible for picking up and returning the bins to the City and must replace any lost, stolen or damaged carts. 

For more information visit  www.cityoffortwayne.org/borrowabin. For questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 311.

One-Cart Recycling Awards:
Addy Award – Lonely Cart, Best TV Public Service Spot – Fort Wayne Advertising Association

Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence – State of Indiana 

“Gold” Award for Excellence - Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). The award recognized design, planning, performance and public acceptance of its single-stream collection system.

The Community Achievement Award - Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT). The award recognized Fort Wayne for efficiencies that saved money, generated revenues, doubled community participation and reduced residential garbage fees by more than a $1 million.

Green Community Award - Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT). Recycling efforts were a major part of this award that also recognized the City’s fleet, and commitment to green initiatives.