Brookhaven has been recognized for its recent recycling efforts by the Mississippi Recycling Coalition.

     The coalition is bestowing on the city a 2012 Environmental Hero Award as the Local Government Recycler of the Year.

     The award honors Brookhaven for the recycling program it began last year. An initial drop-off recycling program was eventually scaled up into a curbside recycling program that remains ongoing.

     Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwell received the award in Jackson Friday on behalf of the city. The Mississippi Recycling Coalition Chairwoman Sarah Kountouris gave Maxwell the award.

     Mayor Les Bumgarner and the board’s recycling committee members Ward Six Alderman David Phillips, Ward Four Alderman Shirley Estes and Ward Two Alderman Terry Bates couldn’t be present.

     A Department of Environmental Quality representative is expected to appear before the full board next Tuesday to make a formal presentation of the award.

     Mayor Les Bumgarner said the award could help garner Brookhaven some attention throughout the state for its recycling program.

     “I think this will definitely help,” Bumgarner said.

     Phillips has also said the state Department of Environmental Quality hopes Brookhaven’s recycling efforts help expand similar programs throughout the Southwest Mississippi area.

     Sponsored by the Department of Environmental Quality, the Mississippi Recycling Coalition aims to expand recycling efforts in the state.