Greentech Lead America: CenturyLink, the third largest telecommunications company in the United States, announced its recycling program has exceeded 70 million pounds, or more than 35,000 short tons over a six year period (2007-2012).
CenturyLink’s program recycles a wide range of materials, including metal reels, copper-based materials, precious metals and electronics. In addition, the program recycles steel, aluminum, monitors, keyboards, computer mice, and other related items.
“CenturyLink is actively making choices to lessen our impact on the environment, and our recycling program is one way we’re doing that,” said, Brent Vander Ark, CenturyLink’s vice president of supply chain management and decision support. “Our goal is to help ensure the long-term health of the environment, joining with consumers and businesses which are focusing on ways to promote and practice the intelligent use of resources.”
In 2012, CenturyLink avoided more than 20,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by recycling approximately 5,900 short tons through cutting-edge methods. The emissions savings were calculated using the EPA Waste Reduction Model. CenturyLink works with Fortune Plastic & Metal in 36 of the company’s 37-state local service area and uses Nevada Recycling in Nevada for metal and cardboard recycling.