King County seeks businesses for annual Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction list

Deadline May 24 for businesses seeking recognition for waste cutting programs

Since 2007, King County’s Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction list has recognized the accomplishments of small and large businesses in conserving natural resources, and in reducing the amount of recyclable materials than end up in the landfill.

As the program enters its fourth year, companies throughout the county are finding innovative ways to cut waste and in doing so, save money and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

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 list also serves to inspire other businesses to make simple changes to their daily operations that reduce waste.

“King County businesses are not only helping conserve resources and protect the environment, but they’re also cutting costs when they cut waste,” said King County Program Manager Karen May. “Many of the best practices for resource management are really easy to do.”

All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible to apply.

Businesses interested in applying must complete an online application. To make the list, a business must meet five basic criteria, and then meet at least 10 from a list of other 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 named to the list will be publicized and announced to the public 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.