Wildlife Habitat Council recognizes Waste Management's Elgin transfer facility

Waste Management's Bluff City Transfer Facility in Elgin has won recertification by the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) for its habitat protection program.

The organization's Wildlife at Work recognition was presented at the WHC's 23rd Annual Symposium, People, Partnerships and Pathways held in Baltimore. The re-certification is one of Waste Management's 128 WHC certified programs at 110 sites company-wide.

“WHC believes that collaboration among all stakeholder groups is critical to addressing the complex issues facing the sustainability of the planet,” said Robert Johnson, WHC president. “WHC members take a leading role in connecting community stakeholders through wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach and conservation education. Congratulations to Waste Management for their commitment to a healthy natural world and connected communities.”

Located at 1225 Gifford Road near the Bluff Spring Fen Nature Preserve, the Bluff City Transfer Facility encompasses 15 acres that include grasslands and wetlands. The wildlife team actively manages the property for the benefit of wildlife, including pollinators and grassland birds. Recently, the team planted prairie grass and wildflower seeds on the islands in front of the building to provide habitat for insects such as bees, as well as to make the property more attractive.

“We are very proud of the important work we do here as environmental stewards,” said Rick Johns, the facility's manager. “From the beginning, we have been committed to protecting and enhancing the environment. Our facility was designed to complement the area's natural areas and enhance wildlife habitat. In addition, our administration building is LEED Gold certified. The Wildlife Habitat Council's award is a recognition we truly appreciate and value.”

This year's certifications also helped Waste Management meet and exceed two of its company-wide sustainability goals well before the target year of 2020. In 2007, Waste Management pledged to preserve and restore 25,000 acres of wildlife habitat across North America. The company achieved this goal in 2010 and now has 26,000 acres. Waste Management also committed to have WHC certified programs at 100 or more of its facilities with WHC certifications. With the addition of this year's certifications, the company has surpassed this goal.

“At Waste Management our conservation goals are aggressive but achievable. Look at what we've accomplished in just four years,” said President and CEO David Steiner. “The success of our WHC programs has driven us to work harder on developing long-term sustainability and conservation programs that provide a role of everyone in the community to pursue a common goal – making the planet a better place for future generations to enjoy.”

Waste Management has been working closely with WHC since 2000. In 2008, the company was the first recipient of the organization's William W. Howard CEO Award recognizing the company's efforts in conservation, education and outreach efforts.