Press Release

WASTE MANAGEMENT TAKES LANDSCAPING TO NEW LEVEL
Using Native Plants Helps Facilities Blend
In With Natural Terrain

SIMI VALLEY, CA, August 14, 2007 – The Santa Susana Mountains and the rugged terrain of Simi Valley provide a beautiful backdrop to the businesses and homes in the area. This is why environmentally sensitive landscaping is a high priority for Waste Management’s Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center.

The company has invested over $1 million in the past 20 years ensure the land it owns blend in with the natural terrain, and is environmentally compatible with the natural flora and fauna, including endangered and protected species.

“Minimizing the visual impact of our facilities is crucial to our ability to be good neighbors,” explained Mike Smith, Waste Management’s Market Area General Manager. “I’m proud to say that most people don’t notice the landfill when they drive by it on the 118 Freeway.”

Waste Management plants native grasses and shrubs on inactive portions of the landfill so that the vegetation blends in with the natural environment, while also preventing erosion of the underlying soil. As a result, all of the non-working face of the landfill appears to be grassy hillsides similar to the topography of the surrounding area.

Seeding and planting is monitored by Ventura County with seed mixes that conform with the Site’s Visual Impact Mitigation Program. These seed mixes are specially designed by landscape architects and biologists to conform with species that are indigenous to the Simi Valley area.

“We understand how important it is to make sure that our operations are both respectful of, and complementary to, the surrounding environment. In fact, one of the highest compliments we hear on a regular basis is how well our site blends into the neighboring hills,” added Smith.

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.

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