King County to recognize businesses that are tops in recycling, waste reduction

Deadline May 24 for businesses to sign up for annual recognition

The King County Solid Waste Division is sponsoring its fourth-annual “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction” list to spotlight those businesses with strong recycling, reuse and waste-prevention efforts. The deadline for businesses to apply to be included in the 2010 list is May 24.

Since 2007, King County has recognized the accomplishments of businesses big and small as innovators that create new ways of conserving natural resources and reducing the amount of recyclable materials going to the landfill. Last year, 66 businesses were publicly recognized for their efforts.

As the program enters its fourth year, companies throughout the county are discovering that cutting waste can also mean saving money.

“Many of the best practices for resource management are really easy to do,” said King County Program Manager Karen May. “Our list also serves to inspire other businesses to make simple changes to their daily operations that reduce waste and help keep expenses down.”

All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible to apply. To do so, business representatives must complete an online application and meet five basic criteria, then complete at least 10 waste reduction and recycling practices, such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, collecting batteries for recycling, or setting all printers to default to double-sided printing.

Those listed will be announced in June. The online application is available at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/apply-best-workplaces.asp. More information is available by calling Karen May at 206-296-4353, or karen.may@kingcounty.gov.

To read about past business success stories and for advice on how to improve workplace recycling and reducing waste, visit   http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/best-workplaces.asp.

Related information

Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction

Recycle More. It's Easy To Do.

King County Solid Waste