EAGAN, Minn., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With the 2008 Republican National Convention entering its second day, Coca-Cola (NYSE: CCE) has provided the thousands of delegates, elected officials and members of the media attending the convention with several opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle.

During Saturday night's media party, Coca-Cola provided 100 bottle-shaped recycling bins to help collect thousands of empty bottles and cans along the Minneapolis riverfront. The items collected were recycled at Coca-Cola's facility in Eagan.

During the Convention, billboards posted along the freeways that out-of-town guests are likely to traverse instruct Coke drinkers to recycle their bottle. Coca-Cola will also provide bags, liners, and recycling bins for material recovery. Across from the convention site will sit a Coca-Cola Recycling Trailer, an interactive display created to ensure Coke's commitment to closed loop recycling is conveyed to those who stop by for a free sample. Once attendees have consumed their drinks, dozens of Coca-Cola bottle-shaped recycling receptacles await with messages about giving the can or bottle back. Hanging above the Minnesota Science Museum Plaza, where giant museum exhibit signs usually hold court, are four banners encouraging attendees to "Enjoy the Coke; Recycle the Bottle."

Additionally, Coca-Cola will use energy-efficient coolers and vending machines to supply beverages to Convention attendees and will deliver the beverages on hybrid electric delivery trucks from the largest heavy-duty hybrid electric delivery fleet in North America.

"By creating opportunities for delegates, media and other Convention attendees to easily recycle their beverage containers, Coca-Cola Recycling can help to ensure that we capture the packaging for beverages consumed at the Convention," said John Burgess, president and chief executive officer, Coca-Cola Recycling.

Midwest Coca-Cola Bottling Company, based in Eagan, is an operating unit of Coca-Cola Enterprises, the world's largest marketer, distributor and producer of Coca-Cola products. The company employs approximately 1,500 people in the state of Minnesota, including 1,000 at the Eagan facility.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is the world's largest marketer, distributor and producer of bottled and canned liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. CCE sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company's North American volume and is the sole licensed bottler for products of The Coca-Cola Company. For more information or to view our CRS Report, please visit http://www.cokecce.com.

Coca-Cola Refreshments

Coca-Cola Refreshments

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.

Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

More from Coca-Cola Refreshments