ALISO VIEJO, Calif.— Metagenics, Inc., a lifestyle medicine company focused on improving health of people, is being recognized for their commitment to a healthier environment by receiving the designation of 2014 Large Business Generator Recycler of the Year by the Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA).  The award honors the company’s achievements in creating a sustainable environment at the Metagenics Gig Harbor Campus, which includes facilities for research and development, manufacturing, shipping, warehouse and clinic services. The WSRA award is given to government agencies, businesses, community organizations and individuals that take exceptional steps toward supporting and growing recycling and waste prevention practices across the state of Washington.

“We are proud of our colleagues who helped to make this a reality for our business and the community in which we live and operate," said Mary Chowning, chief operating officer of Metagenics.  “We launched a commingled recycling program through a local partnership in 2011 and saw an increase in recycling rates. Over time, we saw our rates increase from 27 percent in 2012 to 43 percent in 2013."

Metagenics reduced waste by nearly 19 tons through the commingled recycling program. More than five tons of cardboard were recycled each month, barrels were repurposed and reused to create recycling barrels and upcycled into rain barrels, and about 400 pounds of food waste was donated to a local farm to feed animals each month.

WSRA’s Recyclers of the Year inductees are selected by a panel of WSRA members that represent an assortment of recycling industry institutions, including government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations.

Founded in 1983, Metagenics serves more than 75,000 healthcare providers worldwide through, science-based medical foods, nutritional formulas and lifestyle therapy programs such as FirstLine Therapy to help their patients achieve a lifetime of good health.