Eight Redmond businesses have been included in King County’s Solid Waste Division‘s (SWD) 2011 Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction list.

The list recognizes 89 companies — including the eight from Redmond — for their exceptional recycling programs and commitment to reducing waste.

The Redmond companies that have been recognized are FCS Group, Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop, Keeney’s Office Supply, City of Redmond, thinkspace, Lake Washington School District, Emerald Heights Retirement Community and Noetix Corp. Additionally, Emerald Heights has made King County’s new business honor roll list for making the Best Workplaces list for five years in a row.

The 2011 list spans a wide array of businesses in King County including hospitality, medical services, professional services, retail, finance, government, arts and entertainment and others. Innovative recycling and waste reduction strategies also run the gamut, from electronic computer records to cell phone recycling program and the elimination of ink and toner cartridges for printers.

“We’re elated to see such a wide variety of businesses on the list, each with their own custom programs for dealing with the types of waste they generate,” said Karen May, who administers the SWD program. “From food scraps to packaging, to printer cartridges, medical supplies and light bulbs, the companies on our list are employing innovative strategies and creating company cultures that encourage the prevention and recycling of waste.”

The county created a business honor roll this year to recognize companies who have been consistent champions for recycling and reducing waste in the workplace since the Best Workplaces recognition program was created in 2007.

Last year, businesses in King County sent more than 200,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. At 27 percent, the largest percentage of materials heading to the landfill from businesses are food scraps and food-soiled paper.

All businesses operating in King County outside the City of Seattle are eligible for the list. To secure their spot, businesses were required to meet the same five basic criteria, as well as 10 additional waste reduction and recycling criteria, such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, collecting batteries for recycling, or sending electronic invoices.

King County releases the Best Workplaces list annually. The county’s goal in establishing the list is to recognize the top recyclers and waste reducers and help motivate others in the local business community to improve recycling and waste reduction practices.

To see the complete list of 2011 Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction and to learn more about what these businesses are doing to improve recycling programs, visit www.kingcounty.gov/recyclemore. To learn more about this program, contact Karen May at (206) 296-4353, or karen.may@kingcounty.gov.