TRAVIS — A Staten Island paper mill celebrated the production of its five millionth ton of recycled paper on Tuesday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand to celebrate Pratt Industries mill's milestone at the Travis plant, which he said has saved nearly 90 million trees.
"I don't know if everybody appreciates what you guys have done," Bloomberg said in front of the five millionth ton of paper. "You've been great for our city, great for our country and great for our world."
Bloomberg also lauded the facility, which opened in 1997, for keeping around 400 million truckloads of paper out of landfills. He said it has helped the city attempt to reach the increased recycling goal he set last year.
The mill processes about half the paper recycled in New York City and turns it into different products, including pizza boxes, Bloomberg said.
Bloomberg also presented the CEO of the company, Anthony Pratt, with a proclamation declaring Sept. 17 as Pratt Industries Day in the city.
