Simi Valley Landfill provides Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ventura and Thousand Oaks Recycling at Waste Management

Simi Valley, CA, July 11, 2008 - Waste Management employees from the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center and G.I. Industries recently helped Habitat for Humanity at its June 7th build in Simi Valley at Royal Avenue and Sequoia Avenue.

Over 30 Waste Management employees and family put their working gloves on and helped with the construction of three single-family homes. Volunteers were organized into teams and were responsible for different aspects of the build, including painting and foundation. In addition, WM arranged for a barbeque lunch for all volunteers, which was served by the Simi Valley Y's Men from the YMCA.

"Many of our employees live and work in Ventura County and we know that affordable housing in this area is hard to find," said Mike Smith, WM's Market Area General Manager. "Waste Management is proud to be a community partner with Habitat to ensure that home ownership becomes a reality for deserving local residents."

In addition to the WM employees and volunteers that turned out for the Simi build, WM donated large roll-off containers and, to date, has collected over 36 tons of materials from the site, which were brought to the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center.

"This year, we opened our Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility at the landfill, where the construction waste, such as aluminum, asphalt, concrete, plastic, rebar, steel and wood, was recycled to help reduce the environmental impact of the construction process," said Scott Tignac, Manager of the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center.

Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is the oldest Habitat affiliate in California and has helped build more than 40 homes in Oak View, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Piru and Oxnard. Homes are built for deserving families through the help of volunteers who provide labor and through individuals and organizations who donate additional services and funding. In addition, the selected family members themselves must contribute 500 hours, of "sweat equity" to the build.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.

Press Release