Auburn Placer Disposal is now Recology Auburn Placer

Waste management in Auburn has a new name and a new motto.Auburn Placer Disposal Service is now Recology Auburn Placer."We are changing our name because our business has changed, and we choose to be leaders in the growth of resource recovery," said Mike Sangiacomo, Recology president and CEO. Officials unveiled the new name and motto — Waste Zero — during a luncheon Wednesday at the company's Shale Ridge Road facility.John Rowe, Recology Auburn Placer general manager and one of the speakers, said it exemplifies the importance of recycling. It's a trend customers are embracing, too."Every year it has increased," he said. Rowe gives credit for the success of the recycling program to Nortech Waste and the materials recovery facility in Roseville."Placer County and the staff have been very innovative in the program," he said. "We're fortunate to have a recycling facility that meets our needs."The state mandates 50 percent waste recycling and Auburn Placer is exceeding that in most cases, he said.Bernie Schroeder, City of Auburn engineering division manager, was among the city and county officials at the luncheon and applauded the name change."I think it's an indication of their forward thinking in going green," she said. Preparing for the change went far beyond new signs and letterhead. The administrative offices also got a makeover to make them more energy and water efficient.Auburn artist Jennifer Johnson designed new countertops, bathrooms and the employees' break room. Johnson used only reycled materials in her designs. The countertop in the business office incorporates blue and green broken glass as well as a map and metal items.In the breakroom, she created a "table setting" display made from broken plates and flatware. For the counter space, she chose spoons and other kitchen utensils."Everybody pitched in," she said. "They were bringing me bags of stuff to go through." The camaraderie at the facility made a strong impression on Johnson."Working here for the last three weeks, the morale is so amazing," she said. "It's a family."Joanne Neft, Auburn resident and longtime Placer County agriculture advocate, attended the luncheon and was very impressed with the recycling focus and Johnson's work."I think this is a perfect model for what we all should be doing," Neft said. "We are a very wasteful society." As part of Wednesday's presentation, Recology announced it will plant a tree for each homeowner who lost a home in the 49 Fire, spokeswoman Sue Dossa said.The three tree choices — blue oak, interior live oak and incense cedar — were on display at the luncheon.Recology Auburn Placer is a subsidiary of San Francisco-based Recology, formerly known as Norcal Waste Systems.Gloria Young can be reached at gloriay@goldcountrymedia.com