Warren County aluminum recycling program to help fund youth sports

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A new aluminum recycling partnership in Warren County will give residents more opportunities to recycle while helping local children participate in youth sports.

The Metals Innovation Initiative, AKFA Aluminum Solutions and Warren County Parks and Recreation have partnered to launch a program that will collect aluminum cans at several county parks. Proceeds from the recycled aluminum will support the Friends of Warren County Parks and Recreation scholarship program, which helps children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford recreational sports.

The project was made possible through an approximately $11,000 Kentucky Pride grant, along with matching funds from AKFA.

The program includes a mobile aluminum recycling trailer that will rotate among four county parks throughout the month. The trailer will be at Phil Moore Park during the first week of each month, Michael O. Buchanan Park during the second week, Ephram White Park during the third week and G.H. Freeman Park during the fourth week.

A permanent aluminum and glass recycling collection site is also available at Basil Griffin Park, located at 2055 Three Springs Road.

Chris Kummer, director of Warren County Parks and Recreation, said 100% of the proceeds generated through the partnership will go toward the Friends of Warren County Parks and Recreation scholarship program.

The program is designed to give children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford recreational sports the opportunity to participate.

The initiative also aims to address Kentucky’s low aluminum recycling rate. Laura Haury, sustainability project coordinator for the Metals Innovation Initiative, said Kentucky recycles approximately 15% of its aluminum cans, compared with a national average of 43%.

Haury said limited access to recycling opportunities in rural communities, along with a lack of awareness about the importance of aluminum recovery, contribute to the state’s low rate.

Organizers hope the partnership will increase participation and eventually serve as a model for other communities across Kentucky.

AKFA Aluminum Solutions is also contributing to the initiative through its investment in the region. The Uzbekistan-based company is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Bowling Green’s Kentucky Transpark.

The facility is expected to create more than 330 jobs in its first phase.

Elom Abiev, chief technical officer for AKFA Aluminum Solutions, said recycling is an important part of the company’s commitment to sustainability. The company plans to incorporate recycled aluminum into its manufacturing operations.

Abiev also discussed the company’s plans to expand its Kentucky operations over the next five years, with a goal of becoming five times larger.

Jerilyn Bristow, manager of member engagement for the Metals Innovation Initiative, said the partnership highlights how local industry can support both the community and Kentucky’s metals manufacturing sector.

Residents can find information about park locations and recycling opportunities through Warren County Parks and Recreation at warrencountyky.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation. More information about the Friends of Warren County Parks and Recreation scholarship program is available at friendswcpr.com.