Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

7/30/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District Named King County
"Best Workplace for Recycling 2007"

Auburn School District was recently named a King County “Best Workplace for Recycling 2007” for providing outstanding workplace recycling.

Auburn School District has a staff of more than 1,500 at 22 schools, as well as the administration, support services and transportation offices. As with most school districts in King County, Auburn School District recycles paper by providing bins next to wherever paper is generated, including workstations and fax and copy machines.

Auburn School District enhanced their basic recycling program in several other ways: by placing bins next to garbage cans to allow people to separate paper from trash in one place; by placing trays for paper that has been used on only one side so it can be printed on the other side before recycling; and by having a policy in the district that requires two-sided printing for documents. An additional paper-saving activity is extensive reuse of mailing boxes and envelopes. The district purchases and uses recycled paper and other recycled office products, and a reuse station for old materials is provided to staff. The district recycling team has determined that having bins that are large enough and emptied regularly helps the program succeed. Reminder posters and labels on bins also promote good recycling. Staff orientation materials contain information about the district's recycling guidelines and education to staff is offered annually.

Additional recycling, reuse and reduction activities include recycling wood pallets, scrap metal and food scraps; collecting and returning used toner cartridges; and either donating or recycling electronic equipment. It is also a standard practice to use reusable dishware, glassware and flatware.

Auburn School District believes that recycling is a team effort. It brings schoolhouses together for a common cause, which is to help reduce waste

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713. Or contact Sharon Aller with King County Solid Waste, division of Recycling and Environmental Services, at (206) 296-4352.