The Village of Tarrytown and Irvington Middle School were among the Earth Day award winners recognized by Westchester County at its 2009 celebration at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

Tarrytown was honored by the county for having the largest increase in recycling in 2008. Curbside collection of recyclables increased by 40% in 2008 and, coupled with an increase in organic waste recycled, the village increased its overall municipal recycling rate from 28% in 2007 to 50% in 2008.

Meanwhile, Irvington Middle School was singled out for collecting the highest number of plastic bags, more than 30,000, of any Westchester school as part of the county’s Millionth Plastic Bag event last year.

Middle School teachers Carol LaBella, Holly Sewalk and Luann Ricciardi were applauded for their leadership efforts in the plastic bag recycling drive.

Dows Lane Elementary School third grader Julia Baron was also recognized for outstanding leadership and participation in the school’s environmental program.