Microsoft receives Zero Waste Certification for campus recycling efforts

Microsoft has announced today that it’s the first US technology company to be awarded the Gold Level of Zero Waste Certification for its Redmond campus by the US Zero Waste Business Council. Susan Wagner, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Real Estate & Facilities, Puget Sound explained that « The certification recognizes our work to divert at least 90% of our food, office, and construction waste away from landfills through employee-driven reuse, recycling, and composting programs and sustainable community partnerships. »

This is not the first time that Microsoft is being recognized for its recycling efforts, as the company’s sustainable dining practices have already been awarded the zero waste certification from the Green Restaurant Association for the last eight years. However, the Redmond giant has also set up waste stream management programs as well as several reuse programs to improve how its 500 acres Redmond campus operates.

While Microsoft is well known for its Redmond, Washington roots; the company also has other campuses in the US including one in the Silicon Valley which is expected to receive a green makeover in the coming years. Wagner didn’t explicitly mention it in its blog post; the exec said that “we look forward to expanding our waste diversion program in Redmond and at our facilities around the world, to make our operations even more sustainable in the years to come.”