THOUSAND OAKS : Deadline Nears for WasteWatch Awards

Thousand Oaks business owners seeking recognition for their efforts to slash waste have until Tuesday to apply for the city’s annual WasteWatch awards.

The program honors businesses, nonprofit organizations and schools that have found innovative ways to cut the amount of garbage they generate. Companies that help build the market for recyclables by buying largely recycled goods can also win an award.

Although the WasteWatch program is countywide, each city offers its own awards. The Thousand Oaks City Council will honor winners with a plaque at a council meeting in May.

“It’s a regional program that’s both pro-environment and pro-business,” said Thousand Oaks’ recycling coordinator Grahame Watts.

“There are so many businesses in Thousand Oaks and Ventura County that have become waste-efficient,” he said. “They benefit themselves by reducing trash costs and they benefit the environment too. We’re prepared to recognize and promote them.”