Best Buy achieves zero-waste certification for more facilities
Best Buy Co. Inc. is making progress in its corporate sustainability efforts.
Three of the consumer electronics retailer’s supply chain facilities — two in California and one in Washington state — have earned TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification for zero waste. (The TRUE certification helps facilities define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals, which increases their resource efficiency, cuts their carbon footprint and supports public health. It’s administered by Green Business Certification Inc. and is a complement to LEED and other green rating systems.)
Specifically, this means each certified building diverts more than 90% of its waste from landfills. These distribution centers join the retailer’s reverse logistics center in Chino, Calif., in achieving TRUE zero waste certification. Initially receiving TRUE certification in April 2021, the Chino supply chain facility was able to divert more than 99.67% of its solid waste from landfills between 2020 and 2021. It achieved the milestone by identifying waste streams and finding ways to make it easier for employees to recycle.
Following is an overview of how each of the three Best Buy facilities which have just received TRUE certification earned their recognition.
Dinuba, Calif.
The Dinuba facility achieved TRUE certification under the leadership of Leticia Cervantes, a specialist in workforce management systems, and Andrew Vela, Dinuba distribution manager. The Dinuba facility’s employees doubled the amount of recycling bins located in their breakrooms throughout the building, providing an easier way to make environmentally friendly decisions and diverting 96% of waste.
Tracy, Calif.
At the Tracy facility, the introduction of the “Green Team,” a group of employee volunteers committed to leading the facility in sustainable waste initiatives, led by distribution manager Javier Espino, came together during shift meetings and strategized on how to create and accomplish new goals. This newly added approach helped the team divert 97% of its waste.
Seattle
Over the last year, distribution manager David Shultz led the Seattle facility’s Green Team in driving sustainable transformation, including the diversion of 95% of its waste from landfills.
Best Buy reduces waste
Waste reduction remains an important facet of Best Buy’s environmental strategy across its operations. The company has set a goal to achieve 85% waste diversion. In addition, Best Buy has reduced its emissions nearly 60% since 2009 and is committed to doing more. By 2030, it wants to reduce carbon emissions by 75% while also helping customers reduce their own carbon emissions by 20%.
Best Buy also signed The Climate Pledge, committing to be carbon neutral across its operations by 2040. Other examples of the company’s sustainability efforts include the recently launched Best Buy Standalone Haul-Away service. This program picks up old electronics products directly from customers' homes. Once picked up, all items are then responsibly and safely recycled.
Anyone in the U.S. can now request pickup and recycling for old electronics. The service will remove and recycle up to two large products; along with select smaller products. Best Buy will pick up and recycle items regardless of where they were purchased, how old they are, or what company manufactured them.
“Minimizing our environmental impact is an expectation of our customers and employees,” said Tim Dunn, Best Buy head of environmental sustainability. “TRUE Certification is employee-driven and provides everyday opportunities to engage in making Best Buy an environmentally sustainable operation.”