Passion and commitment to reducing and recycling waste celebrated at R3 Awards

Milwaukee, WI - The state's most successful professionals and businesses in reducing, reusing, and recycling construction debris were honored at WasteCap Wisconsin's first ever R3 Awards on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Secretary of the DNR since 2003, Scott Hassett, an attorney in Madison and an avid outdoorsman who has led the DNR in several environmental initiatives, spoke during the ceremony.

"I am pleased to see how WasteCap Wisconsin continues to grow…and has now become a nationally recognized authority on construction and demolition recycling," said Hassett, who said he was happy to support WasteCap, calling it one of the DNR's biggest success stories.

Professionals from construction, architectural, environmental, engineering, and waste industries attended the ceremony, which was held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, WI. WasteCap Wisconsin worked with the Retzer Nature Center on its expansion project in 2004. The project's final recycling rate was an impressive 82.17 percent, exceeding the original goal by over 7 percent and diverting over 140 tons of recyclables from landfills.

The highlight of the night was the Big Diverter award that recognized WasteCap Wisconsin's current project with the highest recycling rate. Two winners were selected: for the highest recycling rate on a new construction project, M.A. Mortenson Company won for the Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Campus Expansion, which achieved a 91 percent recycle rate. The second award, for the highest recycle rate on a demolition project, was awarded to Milwaukee Public Schools for Milwaukee Technical and Trade School project with a recycling rate of 79 percent.

The Jansen Group of Milwaukee, that has adopted a company-wide recycling program, won for the outstanding commitment award.

The outstanding board member award was given to Ed Faherty, who has served on WasteCap's board of directors since it started in 1996 and as Chairman of the Board for three years.

Veridian Homes of Madison won the award for outstanding partner. Veridian Homes has been a dedicated supporter of WasteCap Wisconsin, working to increase residential construction waste recycling since 2003. Currently they are working with WasteCap on a program to recycle scrap vinyl.

Diane Hammann, of Natural Resource Technology, was honored with an award for outstanding volunteer for her leadership on the membership committee and for her significant marketing expertise. Hammann was also recently elected to WasteCap Wisconsin's board of directors.

The Vinyl Institute of Arlington, VA was given the innovative achievement award in the category of outstanding market development for their partnership and support of WasteCap's efforts and success with the recycling of vinyl siding scrap.

"[WasteCap Wisconsin's] collaboration and passion continues to make a big, positive difference to the environment," said Hassett. "WasteCap, the nominees, and all the rest of us have a role to play in building the strong foundation to show the reduction, reuse, and recycling can provide both environmental and financial awards."

WasteCap Wisconsin is a statewide nonprofit organization committed to educating and assisting businesses in their efforts to reduce waste. Over its 10 year history, WasteCap's projects have diverted 100 million lbs. of material from Wisconsin landfills. The R3 awards recognized the outstanding achievements of members and clients WasteCap Wisconsin has worked with over the past year.

AWARD NOMINEES (winner in bold)

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD is given to an outstanding volunteer who has been a great asset to the organization and has donated significant time and resources to improve WasteCap programs and initiatives.

For 2007 sponsorship opportunities, please email Shannon Delaney

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