Delaware casino ups the ante on recycling [video]

Dover Downs Hotel and Casino is taking recycling a step further, implementing an in-room recycling program for guests. 

“We are in the process of converting receptacles in the bedrooms/suites area to a container for recyclables only, and keeping the waste receptacle in the bathroom for trash only,” said CEO Ed Sutor. “With the help of our green-conscious guests, we hope to see a significant increase in our overall recycling efforts.”

The in-room recycling is expected to keep at least a ton of waste per day out of the state’s landfills and save the hotel an additional $135/day in tipping fees.

“We now recycle just about everything we can, including scrap metal to light bulbs to garbage to organic materials including wood chips and straw from the barns and even grass clippings,” said Rich Duncan, director of facilities.

The casino also sends about six tons of food waste each week to the Peninsula Compost Company, the organic recycling center in Wilmington. WHYY visited the state’s composting facility and featured it on First (see below). 

Dover Downs says it recycled 50 percent (2 million pounds) of waste in 2012. Figures for 2013 forecast recycling efforts increasing this year to 60% or better.

This latest initiative puts the hotel and casino well ahead of a state mandated deadline. Delaware law requires all commercial businesses take part in a comprehensive recycling program by the start of 2014.