Weingarten Realty will expand the trash and recycling program to pass along additional savings to our tenants and increase our sustainability efforts. The major expansion involves taking over small shop tenant controlled trash where applicable. We have identified an abundant group of centers where the majority of tenants work directly with local haulers for trash removal. We have found through our research that these tenants are generally significantly over serviced and typically do not maximize recycling opportunities. Thus, their monthly expenses are significantly higher than what we could offer if Weingarten takes over the service.
Weingarten implemented a substantial trash and recycling program in 2008 with Talismark, formerly known as Waste Professionals, who provide commercial waste services to just under 200 Weingarten properties. Talismark uses a unique proprietary system built around innovative processes providing Weingarten with an expert level of knowledge in the trash industry, including expertise in revenue streams, cost efficiencies, flexibility, attention to detail and tailored client services.
Listed below are highlights of the sustainability benefits this program has created since inception in 2008:
• Saved 312,477 trees
• Recycled 87,936 cubic yards of paper, glass, plastic and wood
• Kept 55,143 cubic yards out of landfills
• Generated enough electricity to power 2,420 average homes each month
Moving forward, Weingarten will work with Talismark to survey properties and collect existing tenant hauler contracts while placing one solid waste can and one recycle can on each property identified as part of the expanding program. Letters will be sent to tenants explaining the program’s benefits and availability to join. Talismark will extend the corporate social responsibility reporting (TREE Report) to include quarterly savings of trees, landfill space, oil, energy, air pollution and paper recycled. Properties will be re-evaluated every nine months for service level adjustments and efficiencies.
Weingarten’s strategic Trash and Recycle Program identifies properties where environmental sustainability can be improved while providing additional savings to our tenants.
