EPA honors Toyota for being 'Waste Wise'

as published by Waste & Recycling news;
From employees bringing their own reusable cups and plates to the cafeteria for lunch to an extensive network set up to replace cardboard boxes with reusable, returnable containers, Toyota’s efforts to contribute to a “low-carbon society” go beyond hybrid cars.
For the third year, Toyota Motor Sales USA, is being recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this time as a WasteWise Large Business Partner of the Year. The sales and logistics facilities, in particular, were singled out with an honorable mention award for reducing refuse, increasing recycling, and purchasing environmentally preferable products.
In 2012, TMS facilities collectively recycled or avoided production of 98% of its trash, which equates to about more than 99 million pounds. The greenhouse gas emissions avoided by this feat are equal to the annual emission of more than 87,000 vehicles.
Toyota’s sales and logistics division is responsible for transporting parts and vehicles across North America. The largest two waste streams from this operation are packaging and cafeteria waste. To cut down on packaging, Toyota uses tens of thousands of metal containers to move items between vehicle distribution centers, dealers and suppliers. In 2012, this practice avoided the production of more than 81 million pounds of trash in the form of wood pallets and cardboard packaging.
“Toyota focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency in all operations,” Chris Reynolds, TMS chief environmental officer, said in a statement. “This achievement means more environmental resources for our future and lower costs for both Toyota and customers today.”
TMS joined WasteWise, a voluntary EPA partnership program, in 2009. The goal of the program is to help organizations achieve cost savings, improve efficiency and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. In 2010, TMS was recognized with a Waste Reduction in the Workplace Award followed by Large Business Partner of the Year honors in 2011.
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