SJ/C has more than just a green logo, it has a green heart.

SJ/C partnered with the City of Savannah to get more than 3,800 hospital co-workers recycling.

With that SJ/C becomes the first company in Savannah to join the city’s brand-new recycling effort.

Other companies should as well.

“If a system our size can do it, anyone can,” said President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey. “I would like to officially challenge Savannah businesses and every other large commercial waste customer to join the city’s single stream recycling effort.

“Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” he said.

Hinchey was joined Monday by Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson and City Manager Michael Brown to announce the initiative.

In January the city began a single-stream – where all recyclables are put in one container - curbside recycling program.

The recycling effort at SJ/C grew up directly from co-workers who asked about starting a program. A few even recycled in their offices and units on their own.

As the program ramps up, SJ/C conservatively estimates that 25 percent of the items that used to be thrown away could be recycled. That is close to 1 million pounds a year.

By partnering with the city on both recycling and solid waste disposal SJ/C expects to cut costs. At the same time the city will get a new solid waste customer and an influx of recyclable materials that will garner $15 a ton from contractor Pratt Industries.

So far the city has a stellar record of residential participation – more than 50 percent - in the new recycling program. SJ/C hopes that by having ubiquitous yellow and black bins around the hospitals co-workers will find recycling second nature both at work and at home.

By the numbers

1,861 tons: amount of waste generated by SJ/C last year.

465.25 tons or 25 percent: amount estimated that could be recycled

3,853: number of co-workers, contract employees and volunteers at SJ/C

160: recycling carts delivered to SJ/C

2: 30-yard recycling containers delivered to SJ/C

Contact Scott M. Larson Public Relations Manager St. Joseph’s/Candler 912-429-1410 larsons@sjchs.org