2006 SORRT Outstanding Achievement in Recycling Award -- Businesses

Awarded to businesses or individuals for outstanding efforts in their recycling, waste reduction, or buying recycled programs

1. Adoptions Together

   The staff at Adoptions Together has been very responsive and enthusiastic towards recycling efforts. After a staff meeting about recycling, Adoptions Together devised a recycling plan to maximize their waste reduction efforts and to ensure that they recycle all that they can.

2. Beall Elementary School

   Beall Elementary School in Rockville has a model recycling program for all other elementary schools to emulate. Through the tireless effort and dedication of Ms. Judy Sowada and the SERT recycling captains, the recycling program at Beall Elementary is one for everyone to see.

3. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

   The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology’s recycling rate improved from 39 percent in 2004 to almost 50 percent in 2005. They have increased their employee education efforts and have expanded their commitment to buying recycled and purchase reusable and energy efficient building materials. FASEB communicates regularly with their recycling collection company to ensure timely collections of their recyclable materials.

4. Fitzgerald Auto Malls

   Fitzgerald Auto Malls has taken recycling to a new level. Working to become ISO certified, Fitzgerald staff attended recycling seminars and implemented recycling programs at each of their locations. Training to employees was provided. Through their hard work and dedication, Fitzgerald Auto Malls recycled over 608,000 pounds of voluntary materials which resulted in a recycling rate of 49 percent in 2005 as they continue to strive for 50 percent recycling.

5. The Izaak Walton League of America

   The Izaak Walton League of America emphasizes the importance of recycling to its’ members.  To assist in their recycling efforts, they involve the assistance of youth groups to improve their recycling efforts.  Recycling toner cartridges and computer equipment in addition to the required materials resulted in a 55 percent recycling rate in 2005.

6. Montgomery College

   Management and staff at all three Montgomery College campuses continually emphasize the importance of recycling. The college placed recycling bins for students, faculty and staff in convenient locations. In addition to the required materials, Montgomery College recycles computers, printers and toner cartridges. Overall, the College achieved a recycling rate of 50 percent in 2005.

7. My Organic Market

   My Organic Market in Rockville has taken recycling to a whole new level.  They placed recycling bins in convenient locations for both staff and customers to use and provided education to ensure everyone recycles.  MOM’s also supports waste reduction.  They are giving out large recycled plastic tote bags for customers to use when they shop.  The customers will be given several cents off of their purchases for using the reusable bags.

8. National Institutes of Health

   The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda has a sprawling campus and needs to be creative to improve their recycling efforts.  NIH has taken the lead to promote their initiatives by educating their employees during special Earth Day and America Recycles Day events.  In addition, NIH commits to buying recycled products and even purchases their own materials for distribution at various events.  NIH recycles computers, batteries, toner cartridges and wood pallets.

9. Pyramid Atlantic

   Operating on a very limited budget did not stop Pyramid Atlantic from focusing on their waste practices. They implemented policies to reuse their packaging materials and recycle paper for art projects. The other recyclables are self-hauled by their employees to a recycling facility.

10. Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc.

    Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc. has demonstrated their commitment to recycling, waste reduction and buying recycled. Every June, they host “Green Week” to promote recycling. They have placed recycling bins at every desk, purchased and use recycled carpeting and they give out water bottles to reduce the amount of plastic bottles and cans.

11. U.S. Pharmacopoeia Convention

    The U.S. Pharmacopoeia Convention renewed its commitment to recycling in 2005 and recycled 74 percent of its waste stream, up from 60 percent in 2004. Every employee has a recycling bin next to their desk and employees are routinely informed about the importance of recycling.

12. VOB Auto Sales

    VOB Auto Sales has a highly successful recycling program and recycled almost 59 percent of their waste in 2005. In addition to the required materials, VOB Auto Sales also recycles batteries, light bulbs and computer equipment.

13. World Headquarters of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church

    The World Headquarters of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church takes recycling responsibly. Recycling 45 percent of their waste in 2005, they are committed to increasing their efforts through comprehensive education. They host town hall meetings and provide written information in their in-house paper and through email reminders to all employees.

For more information:

SORRT Nonresidential Recycling Program: 240-777-6437
Write to SORRT