October 15, 2008
Mayor Bill White today announced the start of a competition for additional ideas on how best to recycle debris from Hurricane Ike. While the city and its debris collection contractor have entered into contracts to recycle debris and are actively pursuing other options, Mayor White desires to tap into industry, academia and the community as a whole for unique, large-scale ways to make good use of the tree and woody waste generated by the hurricane.
The city currently has a contract with Living Earth Technology Company to generate gardening and landscaping compost from a portion of the waste.
Additionally, city of Houston debris collection contractor BDR has a contract for recycling with Allied Waste. The two contracts account for nearly 50% of woody waste debris created by the hurricane.
“Composting, erosion control and fuel for boilers and electric generation are just some of the ideas we are pursuing,” said Mayor Bill White. “But we recognize that Houston is full of bright minds that can help us expand our options and we want to make use of that.”
Any one interested in information on how to participate in the contest can visit us at “recycleike.com” and send an email at recycleike@cityhouston.net.
Because this competition requires use of intellectual capital, there will be prizes awarded for the top three most useable ideas. Competition prizes will be based on uniqueness, scale, and feasibility.
First prize will be rewarded with a $10,000 dollar prize. Second place will receive $5,000 and 3rd prize will receive $2,500. Prize money is being provided through a private donation.
The ideas must be submitted to the city of Houston, through the www.recycleike.com website by midnight, Friday, October 31st.
It is estimated that Hurricane Ike generated over 5.6 million cubic yards of tree debris within the Houston city limits.
www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste
© 2008 copyright, City of Houston. All Rights Reserved
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