The Lee Recycling Committee was formed around 2000, focused on recycling and composting. In 2016 our name changed to reflect a broader mission: "to be instrumental in Lee’s becoming a Greener Gateway to the Berkshires – more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and attractive for residents, visitors, and future generations." Our scope  encompasses keeping Lee clean; achieving zero-waste at town events; educating the community about environmental issues; promoting recycling, composting, and waste reduction, including green holidays; encouraging volunteerism; and supporting energy efficiency and renewables to address climate change. Achievements include advocating for and suporting the transition to plastic shopping bag and polystyrene drink and food container by-laws; approaching zero waste during Lee's Founders Weekend; initiating a successful voluntary initiative to reduce plastic straw use (in process); intalling butt collectors downtown; getting a local business to make a compost hopper available 24/7; helping schools increase recycling and engage students; supporting recycling/zero-waste in neighboring towns; and helping to resolve the cleanup of PCBs in the Housatonic River.