Waste Board Honors Recycling Efforts of Walt Disney Company

PASADENA—Renowned as one of the world's leading entertainment firms, the Walt Disney Company was also one of California's Top 10 waste reducers in 1996, recycling 80,000 tons of waste materials and saving $528,000 in disposal costs the year before to earn the distinction. The California Integrated Waste Management Board has recognized those efforts by presenting Disney officials with a Waste Reduction Award Program "WRAP of the Year" plaque.

"Walt Disney Company's waste management successes in 1996 proves that recycling and waste reduction can be important to many businesses, large and small," said Waste Board Vice Chairman Robert C. Frazee. "If we all took the time to throw away less and recycle more, California can cut its trash in half by the year 2000, as mandated by law."

During its monthly meeting last week, Frazee presented the award to Kris McNamara, Disney's director of environmental programs during the Waste Board's monthly meeting, held today in Pasadena as part of its ongoing efforts to be accessible to alll parts of California.

Last year, Disney's "Environmentality" program encouraged its 21,000 employees to reduce, reuse, and recycle both at home and work. Moreover, such programs as the company's "Green Team," "Enviropage," and "Disney Waste Watchers" further assist the diversion of recyclable or reusable wastes from landfills.

By diverting excess food materials to area hog farms, donating paint and wood to city and school agencies, and minimizing office paper needs through use of electronic mail, Disney has joined a growing list of other companies in California hopping aboard the recycling bandwagon.

It actively promotes the benefits of conscientious waste management to such organizations as the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers at industry meetings, hauls lawn and shrubbery trimmings to composting facilities, and even encourages its employees to "drive green" with tips on how to environmentally navigate daily commute routes.

The Walt Disney Company uses recycled-content paper products for printing, in its restrooms, and as food containers and napkins. Another unique waste management practice was the company's ability to "recycle" many of its production sets used in film-making.

Last year's successful waste reduction efforts took place at the company's Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, and The Walt Disney Studios/Corporate in Burbank.

Since its inception in 1993, WRAP has awarded more than 1,000 certificates to some 700 California businesses whose efforts have substantially contributed to reducing waste more efficiently. Besides generating and handling fewer excess materials, many companies find they can cut procurement and waste disposal costs and bolster profit margins through successful waste reduction programs.

The Waste Board's WRAP certificates can be displayed and used by businesses to publicly advertise their recycling activities and conservation ethic, something more and more conscientious shoppers apparently appreciate.

The Waste Board's WRAP application period is currently open to recycling-conscious businesses, running through June 30. For an application form, visit the Waste Board's WRAP Web site (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WRAP/).

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