KNOXVILLE (May 17, 2011) – Knox County is continuing the observance of National Public Works Week (NPWW) by calling attention to the importance of public works in community life and celebrating the tens of thousands of American men and women who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.  Today Knox County wants to highlight the Solid Waste Department and specifically outstanding employee Mike Heath.

“National Public Works Week is a great way to bring awareness to the men and women who impact our everyday lives through public works,” said Mayor Tim Burchett.  “We appreciate all the hard work Solid Waste employees do to serve the waste disposal needs of our community in an efficient, cost-effective manner.”

Mike Heath, recycling driver for the Solid Waste Department, has been with the County for over 19 years.  He started his tenure as a convenience center operator and has been involved in all aspects of the department, from operating a bobcat to working as a recycling laborer.  Currently, Heath delivers recycled materials, such as aluminum cans, cardboard, plastic bottles, mixed paper and other items collected at the eight Knox County Convenience Centers, to local buyers.  Recycling revenue generated from the sale of materials delivered by Heath and the other recycling drivers made over $500,000 for taxpayers in 2010.

“I really enjoy recycling, I did it before working here,” Heath said, “but there’s a lot more to be done.”

In addition to Heath’s outstanding work with the Solid Waste Department, he is active in disaster relief efforts and Kingdom Hall builds with his congregation.  He has participated in construction projects following Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and after the 2010 floods in Nashville.

The Solid Waste Department and its eight convenience centers serve over 10,000 Knox County residents a day.  Additionally, the department offers convenient disposal options for most all household wastes and saves taxes by generating revenue from the sale of recyclable materials, like those hauled and delivered by Heath.

For those who work diligently to maintain infrastructure, enforce public safety codes and all the other countless aspects of public works, Knox County thanks you.

For more information on National Public Works Week, visit www2.apwa.net/About/npww/.

Other NPWW stories:

Knox County Highway Department
Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau