King County announces 2011 Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction

89 local companies recognized for exceptional recycling efforts

King County’s Solid Waste Division announced today that 89 local companies have been named to the 2011 “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction” list, including 4 businesses in Renton. The list recognizes businesses with exceptional recycling programs and for their commitment to reducing the amount of waste their company produces.

Renton honorees include:

American Classic Homes Real Estate

Kenworth Truck Company

PACCAR Parts

TOPICS Entertainment

Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 200,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. Surprisingly, the commercial waste stream still contains 22 percent paper, what many consider the easiest item to recycle. At 27 percent, the largest percentage of material heading to the landfill from businesses is food scraps and food-soiled paper.

The 2011 list spans a wide array of businesses in King County including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. Innovative recycling and waste reduction strategies also run the gamut, from electronic computer records to a cell phone recycling program and the elimination of ink and toner cartridges for printers.

For more information on the other winners, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/best-workplaces.asp.