Keep Dawson County Beautiful has embarked on a new project intended to increase recycling efforts at area schools and across the community.

The volunteer group, during its monthly meeting last week, outlined plans to purchase two custom-made Dumpsters to place at Riverview Elementary and Dawson County Middle schools.

In addition to offering the schools a facility to recycle items such as plastic, metal cans and cardboard used in the cafeteria and across the campus, the recycling containers will be available for the community to use as a recycling resource.

"We've had several requests for additional recycling facilities in the county," said Kristi Hudson, director of Keep Dawson County Beautiful. "These containers are open to the parents of the students and could give them a more convenient location for recycling."

Keep Dawson County Beautiful announced the partnership with the Dawson County School System last week during the group's 10th anniversary celebration.

Established in 2003, Keep Dawson County Beautiful was based on the successful Gwinnett County Clean and Beautiful campaign.

With a focus on bringing meaningful change to our environment through quality of life services, Keep Dawson County Beautiful's initiatives include litter prevention, solid waste planning and coordination, environmental education, beautification and conservation.

County Commission chair Mike Berg praised the group for their work in the community.

"It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years, and over the years, there have been some good programs that have come from Keep Dawson County Beautiful," he said.

Areas of service volunteers coordinate include Adopt-a-Road, Christmas tree recycling, electronic recycling, community clean-ups, old tire recycling and classroom presentations.

"The program with the school is very positive," Berg said.

School Superintendent Keith Porter said the system is proud of the partnership.

At Riverview Elementary, staff has developed lesson plans that incorporate recycling education and will roll out that initiative in connection with the new recycling container at the school.

"It is our desire to provide opportunities for our students to develop skills that will lead to them becoming good citizens," Porter said.

"By acting responsibly regarding the manner in which they deal with recyclable materials, we hope that they will develop habits that will last them throughout their lives. I am so glad that Riverview Elementary School has piloted a recycling program this year, and I hope that it can be replicated in other places in the future."

Hudson said the group's long-term plan is to have a recycling container at each of the county schools.

Keep Dawson County Beautiful meets at 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at fire station 2. The public is invited to attend the meetings, and volunteers are always needed for various community projects.

For more information, call Kristi Hudson at (706) 344-3501.