Truckload Carriers Association Adds Recycling Component to National Wreaths Across America Day

After the placement of 240,000 remembrance wreaths on veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery, more than 100,000 pounds of leftover boxes and shrink wrap are now being recycled

Arlington, Virginia:

On Saturday — National Wreaths Across America Day, conducted by the  nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America (WAA) — thousands of volunteers removed and discarded the packaging that was used to transport 240,000 remembrance wreaths placed on the graves of soldiers interred at Arlington National Cemetery. But thanks to a partnership between the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), International Paper, and Interstate Moving and Storage, Inc., and Cowan Systems, LLC, every shred of that packaging is being recycled rather than sent to a landfill.

“The number of truckloads of wreaths increased by 30% this year, and the sheer volume of leftover debris was overwhelming,” said Debbie Sparks, TCA’s vice president of development. “We joined forces with the company that makes the shipping boxes as well as a local moving company to fill nine tractor trailers with about 100,000 pounds of leftover boxes and shrink wrap. What a way to reduce our carbon footprint on this very inspirational — and very large — event!”

For the past five years, the Truckload Carriers Association has been coordinating the dispatch of the tractor trailers that haul the wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and the other 1,100 veterans’ cemeteries across the U.S. This year, nearly 300 semi-trucks were required, and they were dispatched nearly two weeks earlier than in previous years.

“Our commitment to Wreaths Across America runs deep, as the trucking industry tends to be very patriotic. From our trucking company donations of equipment and money, to our professional truck drivers’ donation of their time, we are committed to adorning these graves every year,” said Sparks.