GENCO Supports Hershey's Zero-Waste-to-Landfill (ZWL) Program at Utah Distribution Center

PITTSBURGH, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- GENCO, the leader in delivering product lifecycle logistics^® solutions, announced today that it is participating in The Hershey Company's Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Program at its Western distribution center in Ogden, UT.  Hershey's ZWL Program is intended to divert materials that would typically end up in landfills to alternate channels, such as recycling, reuse or incineration.

By the end of 2013, Hershey had converted six of its manufacturing facilities to ZWL, surpassing its 2015 goal of five as well as five other Hershey non-manufacturing facilities, including the Utah distribution center.

GENCO collaborated with Hershey to achieve ZWL status at the Western distribution center, which it operates. The process began by removing the trash compactor from the facility and emptying its contents in the parking lot. Sortation yielded varying results, including food/product waste, cardboard, trash and plastic as well as wood scraps and broken pallets that could be diverted from landfills.

The focus then shifted to identifying new ways to collect recyclables throughout the facility and training teammates on new procedures. Volunteers from each shift formed a ZWL committee to help identify recycling best practices. Placement of receptacles was strategically planned to coincide with areas where recycled materials were most commonly generated to maximize use. As a result, the Western distribution center has become one of Hershey's 11 facilities to achieve ZWL status.

GENCO is currently working to achieve ZWL status at the Midwest distribution center, in Edwardsville, IL, which it also operates for Hershey.

"We are excited to be a part of Hershey's Zero-Waste-to-Landfill Program. It is a win–win with great benefits for both of companies," said Tadd Moreland, GENCO's director of Recycling Services and Sustainability. "This further demonstrates GENCO's commitment to helping our customers achieve the highest environmental standards as they seek ways to reduce the environmental impact of their operations."

About GENCO
GENCO is the recognized leader in product lifecycle and reverse logistics solutions designed to maximize value and reduce costs.  GENCO operates 130 value-added warehouse locations comprising 38 million square feet and manages $1.5 billion in freight annually throughout North America.  GENCO's diverse range of customers includes many Fortune 500 companies in the technology, consumer and industrial, retail and healthcare markets and the federal government.  GENCO's complete range of product lifecycle services include inbound logistics; warehousing & distribution; fulfillment; contract packaging; managed transportation; systems integration; returns processing & disposition; test, repair, refurbishment; product liquidation; and recycling. For more information, visit www.genco.com.

SOURCE GENCO