Each year since 2006, Hamilton County R3Source has worked with one or two communities to help improve all things recycling and waste reduction. The Target Community program is a two-year process that takes a holistic approach to improving community waste diversion percentages. The project is never the same from one community to the next. From infrastructure improvements to educational needs and community involvement, Hamilton County R3Source works with the local government, businesses, schools, and community groups to develop different strategies that will best serve the community. This could be anything from technical assistance in the schools on how to best manage their waste streams and collection methods, to helping a restaurant find grant funding so that they are able to finally launch their composting initiative and cut down on wasted food going to landfill. In some cases, over the years, communities have been able to take advantage of the Target Community program and more than double the percentage of waste that they are keeping out of landfill.
Hamilton County R3Source would like to share our excitement to announce our next Target Community. Home of the Blue Devils, world famous bridal district, and birthplace of the legendary card game UNO, it’s the City of Reading! A special thanks to the Reading WeTHRIVE team, the citizen-led Walk With A Purpose community group, and City Auditor Sabrina Smith for their leadership on this initiative.