DES MOINES, IOWA — For the fifth straight year, Waste Management has set a new recycling record at the Iowa State Fair. The Iowa State Fair is an 11 day event that hosts more than one million attendees. Waste Management of Iowa recycled nearly 54 tons of waste at the 2014 state fair, surpassing their 2013 record of nearly 35 tons. This number represents a 64 percent increase in recycling over last year. The 2014 Iowa State Fair ended August 17.

“We continue to set a new standard for recycling each year,” said Lisa Disbrow, Waste Management of Iowa spokesperson. “We’re working to change the mind set of fairgoers so that recycling becomes second nature at these events.”

Waste Management worked with Keep Iowa Beautiful again this year to maintain 300 recycling containers throughout the fairgrounds. Teaming up with vendors at the fair and using social media to raise awareness, Waste Management increased recycling tonnages at the fair. For the second year, Waste Management utilized its compressed natural gas vehicles as part of the effort to move toward a “green” state fair.

These trucks can reduce greenhouse gases by over 21 percent compared to diesel engines. Throughout the fair, crews removed recycled materials from the fairgrounds to a local recycling facility.

“Thanks to our partnership with Keep Iowa Beautiful and Waste Management, along with the commendable recycling efforts of our fairgoers, the Iowa State Fair is one of the cleanest events in the country,” said the Iowa State Fair CEO and manager, Gary Slater.

In the future, Waste Management plans to keep an increased focus on containerized recycling with vendors and a continued push for compostable materials at the fair. The 2015 Fair is August 13-23.

“Iowans visiting the Iowa State Fair take great pride in the event and the rich diversity of entertainment and education it provides. Iowans (and visitors) also take pride in keeping the fairgrounds clean and in supporting sustainability through recycling. The Iowa State Fair Board and partners like Waste Management serve as a great role model for other fairs and events throughout Iowa and the nation,” said Gerry Schnepf, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful.

For more information on recycling and to see what is recyclable in your community, visit www.wm.com/residential/recycling-services.jsp.