100,000 US dollars allocated to recycle plastic waste in the Municipality of Karpos

On 15 November 2007, the USAID Plastic Recycling Project will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Karpos for the implementation of its plastic waste collection program.

The American people, through USAID, have invested $30,000 in this project, with another $30,000 coming from the Municipality and $40,000 from the public communal enterprise “Komunalna Higiena.”
“ Recycling plastic waste is a viable business process that develops the capacity of municipalities and creates healthy ecological and economic environments,” said the Mayor of Karpos Andrej Petrov.

“Preser vat ion of Macedonia's environment is an important part of U.S. Government assistance in Macedonia. This project is a perfect example of how the Government, the pri vat e sector and the local community can come together to protect the environment and to educate future generations on the importance of recycling, ” said the Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission in Macedonia Thomas Navratil.

The municipality will work with the pri vat e sector and NGOs to construct and equip “ecological islands” where residents can safely dispose of plastic waste. USAID will also support the implementation of a comprehensive public awareness campaign. In Karpos, the campaign will begin in primary schools where children will learn the importance of plastic recycling.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
The American people , through USAID , have invested nearly $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia 's transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov .