Verizon Community Recycling Events in New Jersey and Virginia Keep More Than 21,000 Pounds of E-Waste Out of Landfills

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 21,000 pounds of electronics have been collected at two Verizon locations in New Jersey and Virginia to help the company's employees and surrounding communities keep discarded computers, stereo equipment, space heaters and other e-waste out of landfills. Items collected will be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

The recycling events, held Wednesday (April 21) in Basking Ridge and Ashburn, Va., followed similar events held at other Verizon locations over the past several months. As a result, the company has collected more than 40,000 pounds of e-waste.

Recycling is a cornerstone of Verizon's ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and encourage employees and the public to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

"Small steps taken by many people can have a tremendously positive impact on the environment," said James Gowen, Verizon's chief sustainability officer. "Our goal is to have Verizon's 217,000 employees lead more sustainable lives at work and at home. And, through the use of our high-speed broadband networks and events such as this recycling day, help our customers and communities reduce their environmental impact."

Earlier this month, Verizon launched a comprehensive sustainability program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve energy. The initiatives Verizon is launching this year include:

• Adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles in the Verizon fleet in 2010. Verizon is purchasing more than 1,100 alternative energy vehicles including hybrid and compressed natural gas-powered aerial trucks and vans, and hybrid pick-up trucks and sedans. The company will also increase its use of biodiesel and flex-fuel (E85) to power 470 vehicles. A video explaining the benefits of hybrid aerial trucks and how they're being used in New York is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5RDYkBnh7k.
• Verizon has teamed up with Motorola to trial eco-friendly set-top boxes for FiOS TV customers in select markets. The new QIP models use significantly less energy than existing models. A DVR model will boast increased digital video-recording storage capacity. Packaging for both models will be 100 percent recyclable and made from 75 percent recycled cardboard.
• Verizon's IT, security, communications and network expertise are helping the utility sector ramp up smart grid deployment.  The company's intelligent IP and wireless networks provide an ideal foundation for the smart grid's control and metering functions.

In 2009, Verizon's aggressive energy reduction and recycling measures reduced the company's CO2 emissions by more than 793 million pounds, approximately the amount of CO2 emitted by 46,700 homes in a year. The company also improved its rate of emissions per million dollars in revenue to 60.2 metric tons of CO2 in 2009, from 64.4 metric tons in 2008.

For more information about Verizon's commitment to the environment, visit http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/green-press-kit/.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 217,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon