The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through its WasteWise program, has recognized a number of companies and organizations with awards during its annual conference.
WasteWise, which held its annual conference Oct. 24-25 in Arlington, VA, is a voluntary program whereby organizations partner with the EPA to eliminate municipal solid waste and industrial wastes through greater reuse and recycling of materials. Additionally, the program encourages greater buying and manufacturing of products with recycled-content material. The WasteWise program began in 1994. More than 1,300 organizations are involved in the program.
Canon U.S.A. was chosen to receive the 2005 Large Business Partner of the Year. The company, a subsidiary of Canon Inc., was recognized for implementing a comprehensive waste reduction program. It was the fourth consecutive year the company has won the award.
Two areas in which Canon was recognized were the following:
Its successful worldwide toner cartridge collection and recycling program, which began in 1990.
Canon refurbished, remanufactured, resold or used internally more than 230,000 products last year.
The WasteWise program also awarded Lexmark International a Gold Achievement Award for its significant accomplishments in using recycled materials. Lexmark was also recognized with an Honorable Mention in the Large Business category.
