Waste Reduction
Working smarter, wasting less
Being mindful of waste today helps ensure that we’ll have the resources we need in the years to come. Our employees are recycling everything from bottles to e-waste and discovering ways to use materials more efficiently.
More recycling, less landfilling in California
In late 2009, our California facilities switched from a “source-separated” recycling program—which strictly required paper, plastic, glass and other recyclables to be disposed of in various bins—to a mixed program, which enables users to dispose of recyclables in a single container. That simple change has enabled us to substantially increase our recycling since 2008. In 2011, our per capita landfill disposal rate was 1.77 pounds per person per day (PPD), far below the average of 10.7 PPD* for a San Diego business.
*Average from 2009, the most recent year available.
Total Weight of Waste and Disposal Methods (tons)*
*Amounts represent prior-year calendar year data for California facilities only, which make up roughly 72 percent of our global square footage.
Properly disposing of hazardous waste
In 2011, our hazardous waste increased by 62 percent due mainly to the decommissioning of an air-conditioning chiller at our Company headquarters. That project generated 21 tons of an ethylene glycol-water mixture that was fully recovered.
Hazardous Waste*
*Amounts represent prior-year calendar year data for California facilities only, which make up roughly 72 percent of our global square footage.
Hazardous Waste Final Disposition*
*Amounts represent prior-year calendar year data for California facilities only, which make up roughly 72 percent of our global square footage.
Pitching in to reduce e-waste
In addition to Company-generated e-waste recycled through our waste disposal program, we collected personal e-waste from employees through monthly interoffice collection efforts and through quarterly e-waste recycling events. Such events encourage employees to drop off personal electronics for reuse or recycling.
e-Waste Collection (1,000 pounds)
