Toyota Launches Zero Waste to Landfill Program

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. announced today its Think Green! program, which achieves a high recycling rate and zero waste to landfill at TMS headquarters. Toyota's comprehensive Think Green! program sets an environmental benchmark for the automotive industry. "Think Green! reduces the impact TMS headquarters has on our environment by creating resources from waste," said Bob Pitts, TMS group vice president of administrative services. "Toyota Motor Sales is committed to its Global Earth Charter and will continue to expand initiatives to protect our environment."

With more than 5,000 employees, business partners and visitors in 15 buildings on the TMS headquarters campus each day, it has become important to find new ways to reduce and recycle waste. Think Green! enables TMS to divert waste from landfills and avoid the emission of approximately 1,000 tons of green house gases each year.

"This administration is proud of businesses that demonstrate how the environment and the economy come together to build a better California," said Linda Adams, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. "It is truly inspiring to see the level of commitment displayed by Toyota Motor Sales and their dedication to be stewards of the environment."

Through a comprehensive campus-wide recycling program and further waste sorting at CR&R Waste and Recycling Services' state-of-the-art material recovery facility, TMS now achieves a recycling rate of 80 percent. Remaining material is utilized as fuel to produce electrical energy.

In the first three quarters of 2006, TMS diverted 615 tons of materials from landfill -- equivalent to the weight of 420 Toyota Prius hybrids. By January 2007, TMS reached a new milestone of zero waste to landfill.

To energize continued support for Think Green! initiatives among TMS employees and to institutionalize the company's environmental ethic, employees have volunteered to become Think Green! Champions. As environmental ambassadors for their respective departments, Think Green! Champions educate fellow employees, implement sustainable practices and maximize waste reduction efforts.

In support of Toyota's Global Earth Charter to stay committed to the environment, the TMS Think Green! program will continue to develop and improve its conservation, waste prevention and recycling efforts.

jon21 - 1/23/2007 10:35:17 AM

+1 Boost

Good for Toyota. I hope other is doing this also.

Good job agent 009 for finding this!

Agent009 - 1/23/2007 11:25:07 AM

+1 Boost

See I do post good things about Toyota!

EL34 - 1/23/2007 11:49:14 AM

-4 Boost

This practice actually comes from when Japan was a war machine invading all of it's neighbors and never throwing anything away because it will have a use for a weapon.

Now their the worlds #1 enviro's.

EL34 - 1/23/2007 12:58:16 PM

-2 Boost

My mistakes, sorry.

carfan3 - 1/23/2007 12:13:03 PM

+2 Boost

Although this appears good (which it is a step in the right direction), GM has done their share and never really given any publicity:

http://www.epa.gov/landfill/proj/prof/profile
/generalmotorsftwaynetruck.htm

"General Motors continued its commitment to reducing total energy usage by 25 percent when it launched its third landfill gas energy (LFGE) project–this one at its Ft. Wayne Assembly Plant.........
Annual greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to planting 6,000 acres of forest, removing the emissions of 4,200 vehicles, or preventing the use of 51,200 barrels of oil. Annual energy savings equate to heating 13,100 homes. Estimated emissions reductions of nearly 0.0060 million metric tons of carbon equivalents."

carfan3 - 1/23/2007 12:17:28 PM

+3 Boost

BTW, BMW, DCX, and Ford are also using LFG....also no publicity.

silverarrow2 - 1/23/2007 2:21:53 PM

0 Boost

Still following Honda's steps.

Honda doesn;t think green. They are green.

paul3230 - 1/24/2007 11:15:28 PM

+2 Boost

Ummmm..GM already has 3 plants that do this. But congrats for Toyota for committing to this!

silent_power - 1/30/2007 6:58:57 PM

+1 Boost

It was about time. Good to see them joining Toyota.