TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2013)– You can spot Toyota associate Ryan McMullan on his way to the Torrance campus cafeteria everyday – he’s the one carrying a reusable cup and plate for his lunch.  And he’s not the only one. 
 
The U.S. EPA today recognized waste reduction efforts of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) associates across the country with the WasteWise Large Business Partner of the Year, Honorable Mention award.   This is the third year Toyota sales and logistics facilities have been commended by the WasteWise program for reducing refuse, increasing recycling, and purchasing environmentally preferable products. 
 
In 2012, TMS facilities collectively recycled or avoided production of 98 percent of its trash – more than 99 million pounds.  The greenhouse gas emissions avoided by this feat are equal to the annual emissions of more than 87,000 vehicles.   
 
“Toyota focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency in all operations,” said Chris Reynolds, TMS chief environmental officer.  “This achievement means more environmental resources for our future and lower costs for both Toyota and customers today.” 
 
The biggest gains in this impressive rubbish round-up come from using an extensive network of returnable containers throughout Toyota’s North American parts distribution network.  In 2012, this practice avoided the production of more than 81 million pounds of trash in the form of wood pallets and cardboard packaging. 
 
Returnable containers have been moving through the parts network for more than a decade.  Since 2002, Toyota estimates a total savings of 273 million pounds of wood and 170 million pounds of cardboard from use of returnables.  That is equal to more than 2.3 million trees.    
 
“We applaud Toyota for an innovative reusable packaging program that reduced its waste footprint,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “The waste diversion program has led to significant cost savings, proving that it’s not only good for the environment, but good for business.”
 
TMS joined the WasteWise program in 2009.  In 2010, TMS received the Waste Reduction in the Workplace Award, Honorable Mention followed by Large Business Partner of the Year honors in 2011. 
 
The WasteWise program is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. E.P.A. to help organizations achieve cost savings, improve efficiency and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Partners range from large and small businesses to nonprofit organizations to federal, state, local and tribal governments. 
 

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