50th Green Team Member Designated

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE "GREEN TEAMS" 50TH PARTNER: Web Innovations & Technology Services Recognized

The Chesterfield Citizens Committee for the Environment presented Web Innovations & Technology Services (WITS), an electronics recycling company, with its 50th "Green Team" designation at the May 15 City Council meeting. Individuals and businesses who receive this designation are those who are distinguished in their innovative environmental efforts. Green Team members have educated and facilitated change by encouraging the reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste materials destined for landfills and they have helped enhance conservation efforts. Angela Haas accepted the award on behalf of WITS. 

WITS has participated in Chesterfield's Earth Day celebration since 2005, and in 2009 they began a monthly collection site at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Collections have grown from 6,000 pounds at the 2005 Earth Day to a total of 56 tons collected in 2009.

WITS excels the reuse of electronics and guarantees that items that are not able to be reused in the community are demanufactured appropriately for shredding and grinding. Everything turned over to WITS is reused or recycled. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency have verified that WITS handles materials in an environmentally conscious manner. Some impressive statistics about WITS are as follows:

- In 2009 WITS reused over 3,500 computers and other electronics by rehabbing them and giving them back to needy communities. Since 2004 WITS has reused over 20,000 computers and electronics.
- In 2009, over 6.5 million pounds were diverted from landfills and waste streams, with a total of 20.5 million pounds diverted since 2004.
- 35% of items collected are demanufactured safely at the WITS facility to make sure it's handled 100% appropriately and sent for new product use.
- Over 365 men and women were hired/trained through their programs or at the WITS facility.
- 1,250 low-income men and women have volunteered to earn a computer, TV or other working electronics.

"We are so fortunate to have a partner such as WITS in our community," stated Committee Co-Chair, Darcy Capstick. "They help us achieve a greater understanding of conservation through offering e-cycling for our community, while enhancing and preserving our environment," she said.

For more information on WITS, go to www.witsinc.org.