Company continues to exceed its wildlife habitat protection goal by securing WHC certifications at 116 facilities and protecting over 28,000 acres

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2012-- At its 24^th Annual Symposium, Working for a Greener World, the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) announced that Waste Management (NYSE: WM) added eight new WHC certifications. WHC presented the company with eight new certifications for Wildlife at Work^SM programs, 46 Wildlife at Work^SM re-certifications, and three Corporate Lands for Learning^SM program re-certifications. This brings the company-wide total to 134 certified programs at 116 sites.

Four Waste Management locations were presented additional awards at the Symposium. Rookie of the Year, Corporate Lands for Learning of the Year, NAPPC/WHC Pollinator Advocate and Wings over Wetlands.

“WHC members continue to raise the bar for conservation success. We connect corporations, conservation and community to create habitat and increase biodiversity. The projects being honored today are the best examples of our model at work,” said Margaret O’Gorman, WHC President. “Congratulations to Waste Management for its successful efforts towards habitat enhancement and biodiversity.”

The grassroots efforts of employee volunteers form the basis of Waste Management’s wildlife programs, and involve a variety of community partners. Environmental experts, scouts, elementary and high schools, community volunteers and other companies have joined the local Waste Management teams to improve natural habitat and provide outdoor educational opportunities.

This year’s certifications also helped Waste Management to continue to surpass one of its company-wide sustainability goals well before the target year of 2020. In 2007, Waste Management pledged to preserve and restore 25,000 acres of wildlife habitat across North America. The company achieved this goal in 2010 and now protects more than 28,000 acres. Waste Management also committed to have WHC certified programs at 100 or more of its facilities. With the addition of this year’s certifications, the company has surpassed this goal.

“Waste Management first began working with WHC because our employees wanted to get involved and this organization helped us do that,” said Waste Management President and CEO David Steiner. “Our relationship has turned into one that truly benefits Waste Management and its communities. Through the WHC programs we feel we are making a difference as a trusted and valued partner to our customers and communities.”

Waste Management has been working with WHC since 2000. In 2008, the company was the first recipient of the organization’s William W. Howard CEO Award recognizing the company’s efforts in conservation, education and outreach efforts.

To read more about each program, please visit http://www.wm.com/wm/community/whc/index.asp

ABOUT WILDLIFE HABITAT COUNCIL CERTIFICATIONS

Since 1990, WHC has certified 665 Wildlife at Work and 147 CLL programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.

ABOUT WILDLIFE HABITAT COUNCIL

The Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. WHC-assisted wildlife habitat and conservation education programs are found in 43 states, the District of Columbia and nine other countries. To learn more, visit www.wildlifehc.org

ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is one of the largest residential recyclers and also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more about Waste Management visit www.wm.com

Source: Waste Management

Waste Management
Media
Erika Aaron, (404) 469-0185
eaaron@wm.com
or
Wildlife Habitat Council
Media
Patricia Leidemer, (240) 247-0933
pleidemer@wildlifehc.org