Lab 'WRAP's' up award third time in a row

The Laboratory has been named winner of a 2010 WRAP (Waste Reduction Award Program) award by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

This is the third year in a row that the Laboratory has received the award, which recognizes California businesses and organizations that have made an outstanding effort to reduce nonhazardous waste by implementing resource-efficient practices; aggressive waste reduction, reuse and recycling activities; and procurement of recycled-content products. There were 285 WRAP winners this year, representing businesses and organizations throughout the state.

LLNL regularly diverts more than 60 percent of the routine solid waste it generates, keeping approximately 2,500 tons out of landfills each year. In addition, LLNL saves more than $500,000 annually through sales of recyclables and reusable materials. The Lab has a successful reuse program coordinated by the Donation, Utilization and Sales (DUS) organization. DUS accepts reusable materials site-wide and operates an onsite "Second Time Around" store where employees can obtain reusable items at no cost. DUS also arranges equipment loans to universities and donations of supplies and equipment to local schools.

In the area of waste reduction, the Lab either reused or reduced waste in materials ranging from computers and televisions to cardboard boxes and office supplies. Waste reduction activities included the use of electronic forms and PDF circulation/review methods to reduce waste paper. The Lab recycled many tons of materials, from lumber to batteries to copier and toner cartridges.

LLNL has a formal program for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, which includes preferential procurement of recycled content and biobased products ranging from office products to biofuels. The Lab also purchases other "green" products, such as cleaning products and energy efficient computers and appliances.

"This repeat award recognizes the consistent effort of the Lab and its employees to protect the environment by reducing waste," said Steve Wuthrich, director of Environment, Safety & Health. "We have made -- and continue to make -- a difference by reducing waste, reusing, recycling and buying green."

For more information about the WRAP awards, go to the Cal Recycle Website. For information about the Laboratory's Pollution Prevention Program, go to the Pollution Prevention Sustainability Program Website or contact Jennifer Doman of the Lab's Pollution Prevention Program in the Environmental Protection Department.