Press Release

WASTE MANAGEMENT PARTNERS WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATION TO HELP THE HUNGRY

Antelope Valley, CA, October 19, 2007 – Waste Management is pleased to announce that the company partnered with Grace Resources to sponsor a clean up event at the Grace Thrift Super Center on Saturday, October 20th.

With the ongoing problem of illegal dumping at the thrift store site, trash has become a huge burden for Grace Resources. The cost of disposing of the illegally dumped materials can easily exceed the cost of operating the store. Illegal disposal costs literally take “food out of the mouths” of AV residents because funds must be diverted to disposal that could otherwise be used to feed the hungry. With the help of community volunteers, Waste Management helped restore the Grace Thrift Super Center to a more manageable way to raise funds that can be used to feed the Valley’s hungry.

“Waste Management demonstrates everyday what it means for a business to be a good partner with the community. We really appreciate their help,” said Steve Baker, Executive Director of Grace Resources.

With funds raised from the Grace Thrift Super Center, Grace Resources provides groceries to over 6,000 hungry Antelope Valley residents on a monthly basis. Grace also offers hot meals four times per week at their facility in Lancaster at 45134 N. Sierra Highway.

Additionally, Grace provides clothing, household items, furniture, vehicles, personal hygiene supplies, and other services and referrals on an as-needed basis.

“Grace Resources provides an important service to the Antelope Valley – just like Waste Management. It was important to us to pitch in and help ease the burden of illegal dumping and ensure that the thrift store can use funds raised to help residents in need,” said Sandra Pursley, Community Relations Manager for Waste Management.

Waste Management has served the Antelope Valley for over 35 years and is proud to be a community partner to AV residents, and an environmental steward of its unique natural resources. Waste Management is one of the nation’s largest providers of recycling and solid waste services. Waste Management is a full service company offering residential, commercial, construction and recycling services. For more information about recycling, log onto www.KeepingAVclean.com.

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