Bentley Prince Street Goes Dumpster Diving for Sustainability

April's dumpster dive yielded 5.3 pounds of recyclables.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 5/6/2010 12:00:00 AM

Although it may sound trashy, Bentley Prince Street's dumpster diving program is actually part of the commercial carpet manufacturer's Mission Zero initiative to eliminate any negative impact it may have on the environment by 2020.

Each month, Bentley associates have been volunteering to dig through trash at its LEED-EB Silver rated manufacturing facility in Los Angeles to reclaim recyclables. In April alone, a team of 13 associates sorted through 655 pounds of trash from the company's tufting, quality assurance, and cutting departments. They recovered 5.3 pounds of recyclables, including one pound of plastic, one pound of plastic cups and bottles, and two pounds of cardboard.

"This program is a favorite among our associates because it's fun and competitive," says Kimbrely Matsoukas, Bentley's sustainability manager. "Departments volunteer each month and we dumpster dive in the morning then post the statistics that afternoon for all to see. It has a great impact because our associates really get into the competitive spirit of it!"

In addition to the monthly garbage grabs, Bentley also encourages its associates to reuse materials. It donates its reusable supplies to the Del Haven Community Center, a non-profit social service organization that offers programs for children and developmentally disabled adults.

Images courtesy of Bentley Prince Street.