Toyota L.A.-area distribution and HQ facilities honored by CalEPA

Toyota L.A.-area distribution and HQ facilities honored by CalEPA Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.'s Torrance, Calif. headquarters complex and Los Angeles parts distribution center have beat out more than 1,200 applicants and earned top honors from the state Environmental Protection Agency for waste management.
   The California Integrated Waste Management Board, one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency, presented TMS with the Waste Reduction Awards Program of the Year award on Tuesday.
   TMS received the honor partly due to efforts at the firm's Los Angeles parts distribution center that has reduced waste generation by 40 percent since 2003, utilizing programs such as returnable shipping containers, packaging reduction, and waste recycling. Additionally, the LA PDC implemented an auto glass-recycling program, recycling 11 tons of glass windshields since the program began in August 2006. In December 2006, TMS also achieved zero waste to landfill at its headquarters campus.
   TMS is the U.S. sales, distribution and marketing unit for Toyota Motor's Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. More than 60 percent of the more than 2 million Toyotas sold in the United States are made in North America, and Toyota employs more than 30,000 Americans involved in the manufacture, research, financing, marketing and sales of its cars, light trucks and SUVs. TMS is also the major automobile importer through the nearby Port of Long Beach.