Dart Container Corp. Recognized by CalRecycle for Outstanding Waste Reduction Efforts

2011-01-08 2:17:18 PM

Company Recognized for Outstanding Waste Reduction Efforts at Manufacturing Facilities

CORONA/LODI, Calif. (January 4, 2012) – For the second straight year, CalRecycle has recognized Dart Container Corporation as a winner of its prestigious Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP). Dart, a leading manufacturer of foodservice and packaging products, was awarded based on its waste reduction efforts at its manufacturing facilities in Lodi and Corona.

Reuse and waste prevention are key components of operations at Dart’s California manufacturing facilities. Last year, the company continued to make great strides in sustainability, employing different initiatives to reuse materials, including pallets, cartons, and bulk bags used to ship raw materials. Whenever possible, Dart facilities also use recycled-content materials and environmentally-friendly products to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

In addition to facility operations, Dart California facilities work to increase awareness of foam recycling in its local communities. These facilities operate free public drop-off sites that accept postconsumer foam food service and packaging containers from any member of the public who wishes to recycle them. The effort not only raises public awareness about the recyclability of foam, it also helps divert foam from landfills. The recycled foam is used to create a variety of new products, including picture frames, crown molding and agricultural products. Through a partnership program with unified school districts throughout the state, Dart is now collecting and processing more than one million school foam lunch trays for recycling monthly.

“We have worked diligently to minimize waste at our facilities so it is very rewarding to be recognized by California’s waste authority,” said Michael Westerfield, corporate director of recycling programs for Dart. “We will continue to identify new opportunities to grow our environmental efforts.”

Commonly referred to as “Styrofoam”,a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company, foam #6 is a recyclable product that is used in a wide range of products, from foam cups and foodservice containers, to the large molded blocks used to package electronics. As a responsible manufacturer, Dart accepts a variety of clean foam products, even those that the company doesn’t produce.

About Dart Container Corporation

Established in 1937, Dart Container Corporation sets the industry standard of excellence by providing high quality, recyclable, affordable and safe foodservice products and packaging, exceptionally reliable service and responsible environmental practices. Dart is making a concerted effort to increase foam recycling opportunities throughout the country and strives to produce high-quality, cost-effective products in a manner sensitive to environmental concerns. Dart is headquartered in Mason, Mich. For more information, visit www.dart.biz/recycleCA or call (800) 248-5960.