Earlier this month, the Minnesota Beverage Association joined with several local partners to increase recycling opportunities for consumers through the Message in a Bottle (MIB) program.

MIB is an away-from-home bottle and can recycling program managed by the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) and It’s in the Bag™ (IITB), a plastic bag recycling program managed by Waste Wise.  Both of these recycling programs have been highly successful at convenience and grocery stores across the state, thanks in part to the eye-catching and conveniently located bins.

To date, MIB has recycled more than 500,000 pounds of beverage containers and other plastics.  IITB has recycled more than 5.5 million pounds of plastic bags and shrink film, and the program is projected to create 10 full-time Minnesotan jobs.  Kudos to the Minnesota Beverage Association and their partners in this important program! Recycling beverage containers - which are 100 percent recyclable - is one of the easiest ways we can have a positive impact on our environment. So remember, next time you enjoy your favorite beverage, take the time to "Think Inside the Bin."

For more information about the Minnesota Beverage Association and its support of the Message in a Bottle program, please visit their Web site. And for general information about the beverage industry and recycling, please visit the American Beverage Association's recycling issue site.