The Chester County Board of Commissioners and the Chester County Chamber recognized the 2005 Green Business Award recipients at their recent annual dinner-- Centocor and sanofi-aventis received awards for their distinguished recycling and waste reduction practices.

Both winners have consistently shown that their practices represent substantial cost savings as well as environmental benefits. Here’s a quick summary of their accomplishments.

In 2004 Centocor recycled over 200 tons of paper, aluminum, glass, metal, fluorescent bulbs, toner cartridges, batteries and computers. Through a creative initiative, they also recycled 35 tons of various sizes of plastic drums and pails that were granulated and turned into sewer pipe. In its first full year, recycling the empty plastic containers alone showed a cost avoidance and savings of $6,700 in disposal and hauling costs.

Sanofi-aventis recycled over 151 tons of paper products, aluminum, glass, scrap wood, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, computers, cartridges and even coffee grounds representing over 40 percent of their potential municipal waste generated. Their program shows that top down management support, education of employees and training of housekeeping personnel are the key ingredients to a successful program.

The Chamber and the County anticipate honoring green businesses again at next year’s Annual Dinner. To learn more about how to apply for a Green Business Award, call 610-344-5940.

11/25/2005