Media Contact:
Doug Kenyon
General Manager
BFI Waste Services
831-775-3842

CITY OF SALINAS HONORS LOCAL COMPANIES FOR RECYCLING EFFORTS

Salinas, Ca., Nov., 3, 2009... BFI Waste Services of Salinas presented the “Curbee Award” to several local companies to recognize their innovative and committed leadership to recycling and environmental stewardship.

Representatives from BFI Waste Services and the Salinas City Council recognized Harder Rentals, Quinn Company, Bardin Elementary, Old Town Association, and Salinas City Councilmember Jyl Lutes with the prestigious Curbee Award.  This honor exemplifies the kind of participation and dedication to recycling that will preserve the Salinas Valley’s natural environment.

These honorees are established leaders in their fields and they are using their leadership position to positively influence others.

William Harder, owner of Harder Rentals, began his quest in 2006 in locations few believe a difference could be made.  Streets like Pacific, Rider, Sieber, North Sanborn, Holly and Elkington have seen drastic changes in their surroundings because of an owner who challenges his occupants to recycle.  Harder Rentals is privately owned with over 25 multi-family locations. Mr. Harder takes the time, effort and pride to make his locations a better place to live in Salinas.  Because of this daunting job, we are proud to recognize Mr. William Harder for his commitment to the environment and as a role model for other private multi-family communities in Salinas.

Quinn Company has been on the cutting edge of recycling before many other companies adopted “Green Practices.” The term “comprehensive source separation” is something that sets Quinn apart from other companies. Quinn has separate large debris boxes for wood, metals and rubber. There are separate 8 yd containers for mixed recycling and trash. Quinn also has separate containers for used oil recycling. Promoting recycling at each level of their operations BFI is pleased to award Quinn and recognize them for their true integrity and commitment to the environment.

Bardin Elementary School:   Esteban Hernandez, principal and Ms. Ivy Contreras, a teacher at Bardin, took the concept of school recycling to a new level, by pulling ideas together and establishing a new club on campus called the “Green Club.”  The ten member club, with grades from 2nd to 4th meet every Wednesday to empty recycling bins in the classrooms, the staff lounge and office.  A MAJOR contributor to the success of this inspiration is Mr. Sabin Martinez, who is the custodian that patiently unlocks classroom doors for the children to gather the recycled material.  He educates, encourages and keeps the administrative staff updated on the children’s recycling progress.  Due to this team effort at Bardin Elementary they will receive a park styled bench made out of recycled plastic materials that normally would have been tossed into the landfill.  This leadership award will make a lasting impression and constant reminder of Bardin's dedication to recycling. 

Old Town Association has been innovative in creating a positive environmental climate in Old Town Salinas for years. Many Old Town Salinas business owners recycle and participate in waste reduction efforts. Newly designed and configured containers lining Main Street gives Old Town the opportunity to send a consistent message to place trash and recyclables in the proper place. Last October, Old Town Salinas restaurants participated in a Food Waste Composting pilot project which in the future will expand and provide a new and innovative to decreasing our waste stream.   Deanna Carvey, executive director, has been an avid supporter of environmental responsibility for the Old Town Salinas Association and because of this continued commitment the Old Town Salinas Association is being recognized.

Councilmember Jyl Lutes:   Each year BFI and the City of Salinas “team up” in Council District Neighborhood Clean Up events. BFI’s commitment has been to make every event a recycling opportunity. To increase recycling and to minimize a “throw away” attitude the Neighborhood Clean Ups have become competitive diversion programs. Council District 6 and Councilperson Jyl Lutes had the top performance for diversion at 80% for 2009.
Council District Clean Ups are incredible community building events promoting conversation among council members and residents, source separation of materials and volunteerism. BFI is pleased to recognize District 6 and Councilmember Jyl Lutes.

According to Cindy Rogers, recycling community affairs manager for BFI,  “Outstanding programs like this make a big difference to the environment and add up to substantial benefits for the City of Salinas.”  Rogers adds, “I am pleased to congratulate the winners of the 2009 Curbee Awards.  By participating in our local recycling programs they are creating a sustainable quality of life that generates economic growth, resource conservation and environmental protection.”

BFI Waste Services, a subsidiary of Republic Services Company and the second largest solid waste company in the nation, began working with the City of Salinas in July 2001.  Republic Services provides residential, commercial, and industrial services to more than ten million customers in locations throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico.

 

 

< Back to news index