Recycling Program Enlists Companies

A nonprofit environmental group announced Saturday that it is joining forces with three of Los Angeles’ largest employers for a recycling program that would allow workers to dispose of household hazardous waste at their workplace.

Officials for Heal the Bay said the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Litton Guidance and Control System, and Unocal will participate in the pilot program, which will help reduce toxics in the environment.

Roger Gorke, research scientist for the group, said employees could bring recyclable wastes such as used motor oil, latex paint, antifreeze and batteries to their offices for pickup. He said city-sponsored hazardous waste roundups were not frequent enough, and were often held at inconvenient times and locations.

Gorke added that if the effort is successful, he hoped that other employers would adopt the program.