Verizon and the Environment
Awards and Honors
U.S. EPA WasteWise Very Large Partner of the Year
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected Verizon as the 2005 WasteWise Very Large Business "Partner of the Year" for the company's comprehensive waste management program, which includes waste prevention, reduction, recycling and our purchase of recycled products. The award cited Verizon's commitment to environmental responsibility. This is the third time since the program's inception in 1997 that Verizon has been chosen for the large-business prize and the eighth award in the program's nine-year history. Verizon has more WasteWise Awards than any other telecommunications company.
Outstanding Achievement in Recycling-Business
In 2005, Verizon was recognized by Montgomery County, Md., at its sixth annual Recycling Awareness Week awards ceremony. Verizon received the commendation for surpassing the county's goal of recycling 50 percent of comprehensive waste – the company exceeded 70 percent -- and for the company's green procurement program.
Supplier Excellence Award
Verizon runs its own Supplier Excellence Award program. In 2005, Verizon recognized two suppliers for their environmental performance. Fortune Metals, a telecommunications equipment recycler, and Staples, an office products supplier, were commended for exemplary waste reduction, recycling and green procurement performance.
2005 Westchester County Annual Recycling Awards for Innovative Cell Phone Recycling
Verizon Wireless teamed up with Westchester County to encourage residents to dispose of no-longer-used cell phones in an environmentally-friendly way and, at the same time, help victims of domestic violence. Through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® program, Westchester became the first county in the nation to offer the program to all municipalities within its borders.
Best Workplaces for Commuters
In 2005, Verizon was recognized by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as one of the "best workplaces for commuters" for its programs in Westchester County, N.Y.; Boston; Newark, N.J.; and Everett, Wash. The Best Workplaces for Commuters program recognizes employers that are leaders in offering superior commuter benefits.
