GREAT WESTERN RECLAMATION, INC. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PART 1

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This facility will include a community drop-off and buy-back center that will be staffed to meet local needs and to offer employment to local residents. We plan to expand and include Santa Ana in our pilot alternative fuels program for collection trucks. Great Western also is at the forefront of composting programs and other yard waste reduction programs. F. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 1. Corporate Citizenship Great Western Reclamation has and will continue to provide financial and in- kind assistance to a variety of community and non-profit organizations and special events in the following fields: youth and education, environment, health and welfare, senior citizens, cultural activities and civic leadership. Appendix C is a compilation of letters from ogranizations we have supported. 2. Environmental Education Great Western will continue its leadership role in environmental education in Santa Ana. As part of the Waste Management affiliate companies, our leadership in technology, recycling, marketing and operations has set the standard for the industry. With this leadership comes responsibility for informing and educating residents. Great Western has innovative youth education programs featuring recycling, litter control and environmental awareness. We have worked with the City to initiate bilingual education materials, and the successful, bilingual Recycling Hotline. We have pioneered "Cycler" the recycling robot, who is in the process of visiting schools, special events and community organizations to inform and motivate residents and businesses about recycling. 3. Future Enhancements Great Western is committed to working with Santa Ana to implement public education programs that meet the objectives delineated in the City's Source Reduction and Recycling Element. As the City has established "Education 1st" as a major theme, it is our intent to work in partnership with the City, schools and other businesses to add environmental education to the agenda. It is our standard practice to offer all information in both English and Spanish. We plan to expand the Cycler program and to maintain an aggressive public appearance schedule at events and before community groups. The most innovative aspect of our community involvement and public education proposal is related to the new Materials Recovery Facility, which will include an education center and observation areas for tours. Further, we plan to develop an environmental grant program in conjunction with other businesses in Santa Ana entitled, "Small Grants for the Environment", whereby teachers and leaders of community organizations may apply for grants of up to $500 to conduct their own source reduction, recycling or environmental education programs.