MassDEP Receives Top Honors from U.S. EPA for Waste Prevention
and Recycling Outreach for 'WasteWise' Program

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) was recently awarded top honors by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "2008 WasteWise Endorser of the Year" for promoting the innovative WasteWise program. WasteWise is a free, voluntary partnership program founded by the EPA to assist businesses and organizations in implementing waste reduction and recycling programs. The program currently has over 2,000 members nationally.
     
 In addition to the state's award, two Massachusetts WasteWise partners were also honored by the EPA for their waste reduction efforts - Genzyme Corporation, which received the Gold Achievement Award for Community Involvement; and Raytheon Company, which received the Gold Achievement Award for Recycling in the Workplace.

"We appreciate the recognition from the U.S. EPA on our efforts to assist the Massachusetts business community in adopting more sustainable business practices," said MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt. "I am especially pleased to see our Massachusetts businesses receive individual recognition for their achievements and expect to see more follow their example."

"Genzyme Corporation has an incredible commitment to green building practices and environmental initiatives," said Mariah Titlow, Environmental Program Coordinator for Genzyme Corporation. "We strive to operate our business and facilities so as to conserve our natural resources. Our partnership with WasteWise has helped us to track our waste reduction and target areas for development. Communications with other WasteWise partners provide access to a wealth of ideas towards a greener tomorrow. The collaboration of many companies united around conserving resources creates a powerful positive impact on the community and environment."
 
"Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) is honored to be recognized by the EPA WasteWise program for our recycling efforts," said Dan Ryan, Raytheon IDS Vice President of Operations.  "At Raytheon, we integrate stewardship in all we do and are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. We know it is the right thing to do."

In 2002, Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to partner with the EPA to officially endorse the WasteWise program at the state level. Since joining the program, MassDEP has encouraged over 100 Massachusetts businesses and organizations to participate in the voluntary initiative.

The Massachusetts WasteWise program hosts two annual networking forums targeted to specific topics relating to sustainable business practices including food waste composting, energy efficiency, recycling and green building. Massachusetts members are also eligible to receive one-on-one technical assistance and annual recognition from MassDEP for their environmentally sustainable efforts.

For more information on the Massachusetts WasteWise program and how your company or organization may participate, please visit:  www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/wastewise.htm

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