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EPA praises HP Pavilion on America Recycles Day

Release Date: 11/14/2003
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA, (415) 947-4306

     SAN FRANCISCO   In recognition of America Recycles Day tomorrow, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is lauding an innovative recycling program recently launched by the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

     Before revamping its recycling program in 2000, HP Pavilion only recycled up to 15 percent of its waste. By 2002, the sports arena had diverted almost 97 percent   nearly all of its waste   from landfill disposal through recycling and composting.

     "HP Pavilion's efforts to lessen its waste stream provide a great example for other sports and entertainment arenas looking to increase their recycling," said Amy Zimpfer, director of the EPA's Waste Division in San Francisco.  "When you look at the sheer volume of waste generated at large events, you get a better sense of just how important programs like the HP Pavilion's are.  This project is preventing tons of annual material being sent to to local landfills while saving natural resources."

     For more information on the project, click on the following feature story on the EPA's Web site:  https://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/stadiumrecycling/index.html  The Web site details HP Pavilion's success in recycling, as well as links to other sites that instruct stadiums and arenas on recycling programs, examples of other sports complexes with high recycling rates, and a recycling resource directory for businesses and other organizations.

     Nearly 200,000 Americans nationwide are expected to make personal commitments to reduce waste at this annual event. To learn more about events in your community, to locate the coordinator in your state, and to obtain more information about the national campaign, visit the ARD Web site at  http://www.americarecyclesday.org.

     The ARD campaign is hosted by America Recycles Day, Inc. a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization sponsored by Alcan Corporation, 100 percent Recycled Paperboard Alliance, Environmental Defense, Ford Motor Company, National Recycling Coalition, National Soft Drink Association, Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Recycle America Alliance, Recycling Alliance of Texas, Solid Waste Association of North America, Staples, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the EPA.