San Francisco is not the only city making strides in environmental efforts. Over on the East Coast, Mecklenburg County's Solid Waste and Recycling division has been lauded for its commitment to sustainability. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) recently awarded them with the North Carolina Rising Environmental Steward of the Year Award, as noted by Mecklenburg County.
The ESI's annual meeting served as the backdrop for this commendation, where Solid Waste was recognized for consistently exceeding the environmental requirements set by law. Participation in the ESI's Rising Steward Program is not just a mark of honor, but a reflection of an organization's proactive stance in reducing its environmental footprint. For a tenure of five years, Solid Waste has not only been part of this voluntary program but has also secured exemplary ratings during every audit.
"This award exemplifies the commitment of our staff toward protecting the environment," Jeff Smithberger, the Director of Solid Waste, said. In a statement obtained by Mecklenburg County, Smithberger credited the achievement to his team, saying, "Staff are truly the heroes of this effort, as without their support, dedication and commitment to environmental protection, we could not have gotten to this point."
The award-winning division is part of the Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency. They manage the processing of solid waste, oversee full-service drop-off centers, and engage in community outreach to residential, business, and school sectors. A core focus of their efforts is the promotion of sustainability and the reduction of waste, aiming to lead by example in the stewardship of our shared environment.
