LADWP, Bank of America Receive EPA WasteWise Awards

Danielle Jackson

Los Angeles and Charlotte, N.C. -- The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has received the Local Government Partner of the Year Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, D.C., for its participation in the EPA's WasteWise program, which focuses on waste prevention and minimization.

In 2000, the LADWP generated 28,549 tons of unwanted materials. A total of 20,244 tons was diverted from landfills, with only 8,305 tons sent to landfills, a 70 percent recycling and re-use rate.

Similarly, Bank of America, Charlotte, N.C., has received the Program Champion award for very large businesses from the EPA's WasteWise program for its environmental efforts. Specifically, Bank of America collected more than 30,000 tons of corrugated material, paper, mixed plastics, metals and glass for recycling this year, and regularly buys carpet, furniture, office supplies, copier paper and stationery made from recycled materials.

Bank of America employs 143,000 people and also sponsors community outreach activities to encourage employees to interact with surrounding communities, including events for composting education.