FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will participate in the Mayors Institute on Thursday in Indianapolis.

Mayor Henry will lead a “Mayors Idea Exchange on Solid Waste Issues.”

Fort Wayne is recognized as a leader in providing quality solid waste and recycling services.

Last year, the City received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in Indiana. The award honors communities that have made extraordinary efforts to protect and benefit residents and the environment. In addition, the City received the Gold Award for Excellence from the Solid Waste Association of North America.

The City launched its One Cart Recycling Program in 2011. The program has been very popular with a significant rise in participation. Currently, 78% of residents are recycling with the one cart program. Also in 2011, the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns honored Fort Wayne with the Community Achievement Award for increasing recycling participation and reducing residential garbage fees twice in one year.

The Mayors Institute is hosted by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed for training and networking opportunities.