King County looking for ‘Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling’

June 29 deadline for businesses seeking recognition for solid waste cutting programs

Businesses can now apply online to be named to the King County 2012 Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling list. Since 2007, King County has recognized the accomplishments of local small and large businesses that have shown commitment to reducing the amount of waste their company sends to the landfill.

“Last year, 89 businesses made the list, ranging from restaurants and office buildings to hotels,” said Karen May, King County Solid Waste Division program manager. “Many companies step up to the plate year after year with new strategies and programs for preventing waste and recycling more.”

All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible to apply, and the list will be announced in mid-July.

Businesses interested in applying must complete an online application. To make the list, a company must meet five required criteria, plus at least 10 additional benchmarks from a list of waste prevention and recycling practices, such as collecting food scraps and food-soiled paper for composting, collecting batteries for recycling, or offering paperless billing to customers. New on this year’s application is a link to resources that help businesses move toward zero waste.

Businesses that have been on the list for at least five years and meet the 2012 required criteria will also be eligible for The Best Workplaces Honor Roll. The honor roll serves to inspire other companies to reduce waste through simple changes to their daily operations.

More information is available by calling May at 206-296-4353, or karen.may@kingcounty.gov.

Related information

Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction

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King County Solid Waste