Arlington Businesses, Commercial Properties Achieve Recycling Successes
33 percent recycling rate significantly above 25 percent state goal
ARLINGTON, VA – August 29, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Arlington County’s business and multi-family properties have significantly expanded their efforts, achieving a recycling rate of 33 percent of eligible materials. This is up from 29 percent just three years ago and compares to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s statewide goal of 25 percent.
“Recycling makes sense – this simple act reduces the demand for natural resources, new materials and energy, while saving money for local businesses,” said J. Walter Tejada, Arlington County Board Chairman. “Through the SAVR Recognition Program, Arlington will recognize innovative and forward thinking local businesses and property managers who are taking a leadership role in preserving our environment.”
SAVR awards launched to recognize recycling leaders
Arlington County today launched the SAVR (Saving Arlington’s Valuable Resources) Recognition Program, an effort to highlight leaders in recycling and waste reduction initiatives among County businesses, multi-family properties, institutions and property management companies. Through SAVR and other efforts, the County is challenging business leaders and property managers to continue this upward trend and meet the 2014 recycling goal of 37 percent – and even exceed it by matching the residential sector recycling rate of 41 percent.
In partnership with Fresh AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions), the SAVR program is designed to educate businesses and property managers about the environmental and financial benefits of recycling; to encourage more recycling; and reward leaders and innovators. In addition to being good corporate citizens, businesses and properties benefit from a cost-effective way to reduce and dispose of waste. Companies can experience significant savings with every ton of material recycled instead of disposing of it as trash in a waste-to-energy facility or landfill.
In Arlington, businesses and non-residential properties must establish and maintain a recycling program and recycle at least two materials, such as office paper, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, or steel/tin cans to name a few. County staff provides businesses with support and guidance in developing customized, easy-to-deploy recycling programs.
About the SAVR recognition program
All Arlington businesses, multi-family properties, institutions, and property management companies with an exceptional recycling program are invited to submit entries for the semi-annual SAVR Recognition Program beginning August 26. The deadline for recognition this fall is October 6, 2008.
Arlington County Department of Environmental Services will evaluate applicants’ recycling programs based on overall effectiveness and innovation. Winning entries will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze awards in the following categories: Recycling Program Design, Measurable Outcomes, Outreach & Communication, and Innovation/Creativity/Leadership.
The winners will be announced in late October. For more information about the SAVR Recognition Program or to submit an online entry, please visit www.arlingtonva.us/recycle.
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Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth” in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
Contact: Shannon Whalen McDaniel 703-228-3685 cell: 571-237-2045 (voice), 703-228-4611 (TTY)
Contact: Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy 703-228-3152 cell: 571-722-8721(voice), 703-228-4611 (TTY)
