Different colored waste bins help visitors at ArtPrize dispose of their trash in an environmentally friendly way.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - During ArtPrize, the streets of Grand Rapids are bustling with people, but one thing you won't see on those streets is trash.

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) partnered with the city of Grand Rapids to develop the S.O.R.T. system during ArtPrize. It stands for Separate Organic Recycling and Trash.

"So, one of the newest additions is composting or organics and basically the idea is to pull as much food waste, paper waste and compostable single use containers out to eventually turn back into soil," said Angela Fox, the ArtPrize S.O.R.T. Coordinator.

"The yellow container is for recycling, and the idea is that we try to capture as much recycled product as possible with the hopes that it can be turned in to something else. And then the red category is our trash, and obviously that's what we're trying to divert waste from."

The overview: Green for organics, yellow for recyclables and red for trash.

"It can be a little overwhelming at first. You walk up, you see these three different bins with three different colors, and you kind of stop," said Fox. "And then we offer to help."

In 2017, thanks to WMEAC's efforts, over ten tons of compost and recyclables were collected.

WMEAC is also looking for volunteers. If you'd like to help, you can visit their website to sign up.

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