INDIANAPOLIS – October 10, 2012 -RecycleForce, a comprehensive recycling social enterprise that provides workforce training to formerly incarcerated individuals, has moved to the Circle City Industrial Complex on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis at 1125 Brookside Ave. The certified Responsible Recycler of electronic waste recently vacated its long-time home at the soon-to-be-demolished Sherman Park facility on Sherman Drive.
RecycleForce considered multiple options for relocation and worked with leaders from the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis to find a suitable location. The Circle City Industrial Complex best fit the logistical needs of the organization and allowed RecycleForce to continue operations near the majority of its program participants.
“I’m very excited for us be a part in the continued revitalization of the Near Eastside,” said RecycleForce President Gregg Keesling. “There are several transformative efforts underway along the 10th Street Corridor and we hope that the men and women who come to RecycleForce can play a role in the continuous improvement and economic development of the community.”
At the new building, local residents can take advantage of convenient, drive-through recycling services. Drivers can enter the facility from Brookside Avenue and RecycleForce staff will unload recyclables from the vehicle. Drive-through customers can then exit through another door without the need to exit their vehicle or put it in reverse.
“We’re delighted for RecycleForce to bring green jobs to the East 10th Street community and we look forward to them being an engaged community partner for years to come,” said Tammi Hughes, executive director of the East 10th Street Civic Association. “The organization provides a valuable service to individuals seeking a second chance in life. We also hope local residents and businesses will take advantage of the recycling services that RecycleForce provides.”
In conjunction with its move, RecycleForce has also earned ISO:9001:2008 certification. This certification demonstrates that the organization adheres to universal standards for safety, quality and customer service. There are thousands of organizations with this certification around the world, but it is rare for a non-profit organization with a transitional staff to achieve this certification. This designation speaks to RecycleForce’s commitment to training, professionalism and application of industry best practices.
The ISO certification follows a September announcement by RecycleForce that it earned the Responsible Recycling (R2) Standard. RecycleForce is said to be the first not-for-profit organization in the Midwest to earn R2 certification, a voluntary, market-based mechanism that sets forth requirements relating to environmental, health, safety, and security aspects of electronics recycling. RecycleForce is the sixth R2-certified recycler in the state of Indiana and fourth in Greater Indianapolis.
To celebrate the new building, services and certifications, RecycleForce will host a community open house Nov. 2. The event will be free and open to the public. Businesses and residents of the Near Eastside are encouraged to stop in and meet their new neighbor.
