Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 11, 2008

Newspaper recycling bins returned to platforms

Metro has placed 20 newspaper recycling bins on nine station platforms for the first time after Sept. 11, 2001.

The 20 recycling bins have been placed at nine stations where trash has been problematic and where recent trash fires on tracks have taken place. The stations are Farragut North (3), Metro Center (2), Gallery Place (3), Union Station (2), L’Enfant Plaza (2), Branch Avenue (2), Greenbelt (2), Federal Triangle (2) and Farragut West (2).

Metro removed recycling bins from stations platforms after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, for security purposes.

“The return of the recycling bins to the platforms at these stations is a reflection of three positive developments,” said John Catoe, Metro General Manager.  “First, the capability of Transit Police to provide a secure environment in our stations has steadily grown to meet new demands since 9/11.  Second, Metro customers are willing to partner with us to keep the trains and stations clean by recycling. Third, everyone understands that keeping the trains and stations free of newspaper debris has a very positive effect on rail reliability because it helps prevent track fires,” he said.

“If we reduce the amount of newspaper trash left on trains and platforms by taking the newspapers and placing them in the recycling bins, thus, helping the environment, it will reduce the risk of train delays caused by trash fires on the tracks,” Catoe said.

News release issued at 11:51 am, February 11, 2008.