Spectators recycled 75 percent of their waste at this years Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival. The total pounds of recycled waste was close to last year even though there was a smaller crowd.

Festival spectators recycled 2,000 lbs. of containers and 1,780 lbs. of cardboard this year compared to 2,620 lbs. of containers and 1,050 of cardboard in 2009. This years festival composted 9,080 of food compared to 8,500 lbs. of food at last years festival.

Polk County commissioner Cindy Walker, who is recycling crew leader for the festival, said she is very grateful for all the volunteers, particularly the ones who stood in the hot sun this year and helped people get recycling in the correct bags.

Walker also said this years recycling effort was enhanced thanks to vendors who spent a little extra money to have everything, including plates and cups combustible.

We achieved 75 percent diversion of all solid waste collected, Walker said, so 75 percent of the waste did not go into the landfill.

Last years festival had a 79 percent waste diversion compared to this years 75 percent. In 2008, the festival had a 64 percent waste diversion, with 2007 having a 45 percent diversion and 2006 a 23 percent waste diversion.