Siemon is the first and only network cabling manufacturer to obtain this important environmental recognition and the first manufacturing company in the state of Connecticut to achieve this level of recycling.
As part of extensive efficiency and environmental management programs, Siemon maintains a 95% recycling rate for all waste material, including manufacturing byproducts and office waste. These ongoing recycling efforts ensured that over 900 tons of waste material were reused in 2008 alone. All non-recyclable items are transported to a local waste-to-energy plant, where they are incinerated under controlled conditions to produce electricity. A small amount of ash and byproducts from the waste transformation process are all that reaches the landfill.
This program combines recycling capabilities with strong employee support. Clearly marked recycling stations are located throughout the plant to help separate materials into appropriate containers—there are even organic waste bins to ensure food scraps don't end up in the trash.
According to Paul Knickerbocker, Siemon's Engineering and Manufacturing Plant Manager, achieving the Zero Landfill benchmark was not the result of a single, isolated effort, but rather years of large-scale efficiency and waste management initiatives. “Since 2006, and perhaps even earlier, 97% or 98% of our waste was being diverted,” Knickerbocker explains. “To reach 99%, we focused on landfill waste and found that with the right recycling programs, we could divert even more of our landfill waste.”.
Carl Siemon, the company's president and CEO, quickly pointed to the role employees played in achieving zero waste. "This is a team effort," he explained. "To make it work, everyone at Siemon has participated in recycling efforts. While this has yielded great returns for the company, we hope this effort will continue in homes and beyond.".
While Zero Landfill status is seen as a progressive and far-reaching recognition, Knickerbocker noted that it is only one element of a comprehensive green effort that includes the implementation of a renewable solar energy program, reforestation, conservation efforts, and more. “When you’ve managed to make environmental awareness part of the corporate culture, it’s difficult to be satisfied with just one recognition and say we’ve achieved it. We are proud to be Zero Landfill, but we can’t lose sight of the rest of Siemon’s green initiatives.”.
