King County businesses last year sent 220 tons of materials to the landfill that instead could have been recycled, saving money, natural resources and space in the landfill for what really needs to be there.

The King County Solid Waste Division is sponsoring its third-annual “Best Workplaces for Recycling” list as a way to spotlight those businesses that save money and resources by cutting waste. The list is also a great incentive to encourage other businesses to develop recycling and waste-reduction programs of their own.

Companies with exceptional recycling programs are encouraged to see how they rate against other businesses on King County’s “Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction list.

This year the county has added waste reduction as a component to the application. With the current economy, businesses are finding more ways to be efficient and include waste reduction activities along with their strong recycling programs.

All businesses operating in King County outside Seattle are eligible to apply, and the list will be publicized and announced to the public in early summer.

Businesses interested in applying must complete an online application. To make the list, a business must meet six basic criteria, and then meet at least 10 from a list of other waste reduction and recycling practices such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, having a battery collection for recycling or having all printers set for double-sided printing.

The online application is available at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/apply-best-workplaces.asp. More information is available by calling Sharon Aller at 206-296-4352.