Kyocera honored with 2017 “Recycler of the Year” award

By Paul Ploumis

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) has named Kyocera Communications, Inc. as the 2017 “Recycler of the Year”. The award is in recognition of the company’s local and international environmental initiatives in recycling and waste reduction efforts. This is the seventeenth straight year that the company has been recognized by the City of San Diego. Also, it is the tenth time that Kyocera has been named as “Recycler of the Year”.

The award is in recognition of the company’s efforts over the past year in achieving significant cuts in electricity consumption and other expenditures, by designing and implementing various initiatives in support of protection and enhancement of environment and its resources. For instance, the company achieved reuse of 100% water used in production processes. In addition, the company announced significant investments in creation of landfill caps. Special efforts were made to recycle end-of-life electronics. Kyocera continued its environmental leadership by organizing the 4th annual Earth Expo. It joined with other eco-leaders to share tips on saving money while helping the environment. The Expo also demonstrated the company’s latest range of earth-friendly products and services for businesses and consumers.

Bob Whisler, president of Kyocera International, Inc. stated that the company and its employees are proud to have been recognized for its dedication to improve the environment. The award is expected to increase its responsibility levels in becoming a model to the entire industry. Whisler reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

The company reported that it has recycled 92% of the waste generated during the fiscal that ended March 31st, 2016. During the previous year, the company had launched a nationwide cell phone recycling program in partnership with SecondWave Recycling. The recycling initiative is aimed to reduce the environmental impacts caused by improper disposal of cell-phones. At the same time, it also raises funds for ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’- a non-profit organization that helps veterans and on-duty personnel to get connected to their families.

During the year, Kyocera continued to work with its business partners to promote corporate social responsibility. The company got itself involved in variety of social contribution activities by extending support to research and scholarly activities, cultural and artistic activities, international understanding, athletic activities, donations and community contributions.

Kyocera Corporation, the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics. By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, mobile phones, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. The company recorded net sales of approximately USD 13.1 billion during the year ended March 31, 2016.