Original Date: 08/20/2001
Revision Date: 12/14/2006

In 1997, Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems established its award-winning Solid Waste Recycling Program. Employee cooperation, dedication, and education provided the thrust to rejuvenate the company’s recycling initiatives.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems (NE&SS-SS) had implemented a white paper recycling program in 1996. Due to limited market opportunities, the company still landfilled other items such as colored papers, newsprint, magazines, books, and cardboard on a daily basis. A proactive approach to landfill avoidance identified a recycling broker who accepted all paper types mixed in one collection container. In 1997, the company implemented its award-winning Solid Waste Recycling Program.

All departments at Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS participate in the Solid Waste Recycling Program. Collected materials are sorted for recycling by the recycling broker for a contracted fee. The company also recycles plastics, wood, metals, obsolete computers, toner cartridges, and viewgraphs. On a seasonal basis, local packaging businesses utilize some of the company’s excess packaging materials. Environmental awareness education is provided to employees in support of this renewed recycling initiative, thereby promoting participation. Labels on all recycling collection bins specify current recycling guidelines. Wall posters and other reminders placed around the facility encourage employees to print two-sided copies and to utilize electronic communications whenever possible.

Since implementing the Solid Waste Recycling Program, Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS realizes better than a 50% recycling rate while advancing employee conservation of natural resources throughout the workforce. Increased recycling rates can be attributed to employees’ strong commitment to the company’s ISO-14000 Environmental Management System. The Solid Waste Recycling Program helps reduce landfill costs, enhances the company’s public image, and promotes employee pride. In 2000, Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS was one of only two large businesses to receive the Commissioner’s Recycling Award presented by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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