ALBANY - The New York State Thruway Authority has awarded a contract which has resulted in recycling containers now available at all 27 Thruway Travel Plazas across the Thruway System.

“This initiative is another example of the Authority’s commitment to protecting and promoting the environment on Earth Day and every day,” said Michael Fleischer, executive director of the Thruway Authority. “The recycling bins allow Thruway travelers to ‘pitch in’ and help the environment by recycling glass, plastic, newspapers and aluminum containers.”

In August 2007, the Authority began placing clearly marked containers outside the main entrance at six of the busiest Travel Plazas. The containers are made from 100 percent recycled materials. The recently awarded contract provided for the installation of recycling containers at the 21 remaining Travel Plazas.

Each year, approximately 20 million motorists visit the Thruway Travel Plazas during their trips along the System.

As part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve its customer service across the System, all 27 Travel Plazas now offer free Wireless Internet Service to travelers as a convenient means to plan travel, research road conditions, check email and access internet applications. In addition, the Authority’s food concessionaires continue to offer motorists a wide variety of new food concepts to make their travels more enjoyable. At least one food concept at each Travel Plaza is required to be open 24 hours per day.