VIENNA, Va., June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Home Properties (NYSE: HME) today announced that Tamarron Apartments, in Olney, MD has received a 2009 Recycling Achievement Award from Montgomery County.

'It was an absolute surprise, but we're thrilled to have received recognition,' said Property Manager, Pat Eacho. 'There are a handful of residents who are committed to recycling, and their enthusiasm has rubbed off on just about everyone here.'

For as long as Eacho can remember, recycling has been an important part of the Home Properties operation. 'Our recycling program has been an on-going effort since the 1990s,' added Eacho. 'Home Properties provided us with a budget this year that allowed us to purchase several additional recycling toters and invest in a new scrap metal program. We now have 12 toters overall for the 132 apartment homes here.'

Tamarron's recycling success can be attributed to three key factors. The first is education. 'We host on-site seminars where a county recycling expert stops by twice a year to keep us up-to-date with new information and opportunities,' said Eacho. 'Residents can see how their efforts fit into the larger scheme of things. Secondly, we try to keep everyone informed by sending out event fliers, and posting announcements on our website and virtual bulletin board. We also try to make it fun and easy for everyone to participate.'

For Tamarron residents the fun comes naturally. Eacho explained, 'We like to combine our recycling drives with social events to bring everyone together. In June, we're hosting a festival event to promote our 'Turn Blue into Green' denim drive (see http://www.tamarron.homeproperties.com). Residents have the chance to get together, socialize, and drop off their unwanted jeans. Amazingly enough, the jeans will be recycled into fiber insulation for homes and buildings. The insulation product is two to three inches thick, and retards mold and moisture, which is important for home construction. Habitat for Humanity will be involved in this national drive as well.'

Home Properties is a publicly traded apartment real estate investment trust that owns, operates, develops, acquires and rehabilitates apartment communities primarily in selected Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Florida markets. Currently, Home Properties operates 109 communities containing 37,539 apartment units. Of these, 36,389 units in 107 communities are owned directly by the Company; 868 units are partially owned and managed by the Company as general partner, and 282 units are managed for other owners. For more information, visit Home Properties' Web site at http://www.homeproperties.com.

SOURCE Home Properties