Sustainability Slam Dunk: Casella Flag Drop Box Program Wins First Place at NHBSR Sustainability Slam

Casella’s Flag Drop Box initiative at NCES Landfill in Bethlehem, NH was honored at the 2024 Sustainability Slam event hosted by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR). The program, spearheaded by U.S. Army Veteran and Landfill Operations Manager Bruce Grover, addresses the challenge of improper flag disposal while diverting flags from the state’s landfills.

As part of NHBSR’s Just One Thing campaign, the Sustainability Slam recognizes the efforts of local companies and nonprofits to make a positive difference in their environment, community, or workplace. The 2024 Slam finalists were chosen by an independent panel of judges based on the impact and scalability of their stories.

“It was truly inspiring to gather with colleagues and reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting each other, our communities, and our environment,” said NHBSR Executive Director Eileen Liponis.

Winning the Community – Large Company category, Grover’s story won over the audience. The initiative, taking flight after the Operations Manager noticed a flag in the landfill, led to an organization-wide discovery of hundreds of flags in recycling bins, garbage trucks, transfer stations, and landfills.

In response, Casella deployed drop boxes at New Hampshire transfer stations, where community members can bring worn flags to be disposed of with dignity. Flags are stored, folded, and burned in a proper retirement ceremony in partnership with Veterans2Veterans, a Littleton, NH-based non-profit. The program has grown significantly in its third year, with over 1,200 flags saved from improper disposal in 2024.