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

Simi Valley, CA, August 28, 2007 – As part of its future plans, Waste Management has committed to build “green” with the proposed construction at the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center site.

The company will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which provides verification that a building is environmentally responsible. LEED certification is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders.
To achieve LEED certification, Waste Management will design and outfit its buildings to reduce the impact on the environment. Design elements will include siting to take advantage of sunlight, increased energy efficiency, and xeriscaping (in addition to the current native plant landscaping) to reduce water consumption.

Buildings will be constructed from recycled and sustainable (including rapidly renewable) building materials. The facilities will also be equipped with leading edge technology to reduce energy consumption.

“We are designing our facility to look towards the future, and it is our corporate - and personal - responsibility to minimize our environmental footprint. Our recycling programs and landfill protection measures, as well as our buildings, are designed to minimize our environmental impact now and into the future,” said Mike Smith, Waste Management’s Market Area General Manager.

In addition to constructing green buildings onsite as part of the proposed landfill modernization and expansion, Waste Management wants to expand its green energy program in order to power 6,250 homes. Today, WM provides green power for 2,500 homes.

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