Best Waste Diversion Award
Alliant Energy
Alliant Energy was nominated for the award by Linn County Solid Waste Agency as a result of their Utility Pole Waste Reduction efforts following the derecho in August 2020. The derecho generated thousands of damaged utility poles. Alliant Energy's efficient clean up of the poles and restoration of power to homes and businesses was critical to the county's recovery. This public-private partnership preserved airspace in the landfill by diverting 133,800 pounds of poles can be used as model for future storm events.
Best Waste Reduction Program Award
General Mills
The General Mills facility in Cedar Rapids achieved a Zero Waste to Landfill status on June 18, 2020 and continues to meet the stringent requirements including zero solid waste sent to landfill or incineration without energy recovery, identification of all waste streams, and completion of a thorough waste audit at high volume sites. They have identified over 30 waste streams, of these 70% are recycled, accounting for over 80% of the volume of waste generated at the site.
Best Sustainability & Education Award
Davenport Community School District
Davenport Community School District's environmentally friendly practices started decades ago and their efforts are still going strong by improving indoor environmental quality during the pandemic, installing water bottle filling stations, reducing food waste, and implementing their recycling program. Recently, milk-carton shaped bins were provided for their elementary school cafeterias through a grant from the Carton Council. They purchase nearly two million cartons of milk each year. Recycling the milk cartons diverts almost 375,000 lbs. of waste per year.