Pepco's Waste Reduction, Recycling Efforts Honored by EPA

Washington, DC - Pepco has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a national WasteWise Program Champion for its waste reduction achievements in 2001.

EPA's WasteWise program is a voluntary effort designed to promote waste reduction and recycling, save energy and reduce pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. Pepco's recycling efforts in 2001 reduced greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 4,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide, when compared to landfilling the same materials.

WasteWise focuses on waste prevention, recycling and buying or manufacturing recycled-content products. Participants agree to develop goals in these areas, track their results, and share their accomplishments with the program. WasteWise has nearly 1,200 partners nationwide representing a wide array of businesses, institutions and government agencies.

Since becoming a Waste Wise Partner in 1995, Pepco has recycled nearly 50 million pounds of materials including computers, office paper, used motor oil and steel. The company's waste reduction efforts in 2001 include:

• Recycling nearly 900,000 gallons of used motor oil and dielectric fluid (used as a coolant in transformers) and 1,000 gallons of antifreeze. Using 4,700 reusable plastic totes during its office relocation instead of cardboard boxes, saving approximately 9,400 pounds of cardboard and saving $8,100.
• Purchasing $28,000 of recycled-content office supplies, including paper products, furniture and other general office needs, and hosting the D.C.-area WasteWise Partner Roundtable in April 2001.