First environmental audit creates greener future for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

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Jan 21, 2010, 06:00 ET

VANCOUVER, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ - We believe that what we do for the environment today, right now, will have an accumulated affect on all of our tomorrows.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a community partner dedicated to responsible junk removal and focused on making a difference for future generations by developing responsible environmental practices today.

A leader in the junk removal industry, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is committed to better serving the public; enhancing communities; and being transparent in diversion statistics, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

In 2009 1-800-GOT-JUNK? partnered with Amcana Environmental Inc. to identify the types of junk collected and where it goes. A sample audit was conducted with franchises throughout the United States and Canada.

The environmental audit was not a legal requirement for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, but a corporate obligation and business focus.

"Amcana is excited to be working with 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, along with other companies committed to improving their environmental performance through a practical, hands-on approach. The management team for 1-800-GOT-JUNK? established the directive for the Measuring and Reporting program in the form of a clear vision with well-defined procedures. This paved the way for the successful implementation of the program," said Will Huggett, President, Amcana Environmental Inc.

"It's wonderful to see this program in place and evolving into a core component of their environmental management system," Huggett said.

The procedure is to establish a consistent process for measuring the Volume, Composition and Landfill Diversion Rate of Junk collected from customers, as well as continually redefining industry leadership.

Through the summary of sample data collected system wide during the 3rd quarter of 2009, the company diverted 61.3% of junk from the landfill, of which 40.6% was recycled, 16.2% was converted into energy, and 4.5% was reused. http://www.1800gotjunk.com/ca_en/Files/System%20Wide%20Audit%20Summary.pdf

The diversion rate is a measure of the total quantity of junk that is diverted from the landfill, as a percentage of the total junk collected each year. In addition to reporting the diversion rate as a percentage, comparative statistics may also be used (e.g. total paper recycled = 10, 000 trees saved, total metal recycled = 1,200 new cars, etc)

"At 1-800-GOT-JUNK? we are passionate about sharing our environmental performance through the auditing process and maintaining the highest level of transparency. Our customers want to know what happens to the junk once we pick it up and we feel obliged to keep them as informed as possible. We have spent considerable time building out a measuring and reporting process which has given us the ability to audit our waste-stream and speak far more accurately about our environmental impact now and in the coming years," explained Craig Jooste, Director, Initiatives.

The audit will significantly improve 1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s operational processes, minimize unforeseen risks, make a business case for being green, and ultimately help preserve the environment.

About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? is pioneering an industry that is helping residents and businesses remove junk and regain space. Whether it's a pile of household junk in the garage or a warehouse full of office furnishings, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removes it for you, making the ordinary business of junk removal exceptional. We are passionate about recycling and donating to charity. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was founded in 1989 and now operates throughout North America and Australia. Information: www.1800gotjunk.com

About Amcana Environmental

Amcana are principal owners of North American companies that are developing and manufacturing solutions for intelligent electricity distribution, renewable energy and potable water delivery. They work with public and private organizations to help develop and deliver core projects that are fundamental to their long-term economic, social and environmental objectives.

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