Toyota Motor Sales HQ touts zero waste to landfill

Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. announced 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 greenhouse 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.