6.29.2006 - 09:15am ET

(CSRwire) STAMFORD, Conn. - In an effort to create cleaner, greener communities, Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WMI) has embarked on a new program with Keep America Beautiful, Inc., designed to improve the environment through sustainable, local solutions.

The 2006 program involves 35 grants to organizations within Keep America Beautiful's national Network for a wide variety of stewardship, community outreach and educational projects.

"Helping America think green and clean is our business. Waste Management collects, recycles or disposes of thousands of tons of America's trash each day - and we want to do more," said Everett Bass, vice president of community relations and public sector services. "Waste Management wants to challenge communities to Think Green, to accept responsibility toward our environment, and to find local solutions to keeping America beautiful."

The wide range of programs reflect the diverse interests and needs of the communities involved, and include programs that tackle electronics recycling, provide hands-on environmental education, support public outreach through the media, conduct tree plantings and beautification efforts, and develop recycling events. Support of these initiatives marks Waste Management's continuing commitment to local community quality of life and to also building awareness about important resources, like landfills, for safe and effective waste management, how waste can become an alternative energy source and recycling.

Waste Management also partners with Keep America Beautiful as a National Sponsor for Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup.

"Waste Management believes that recycling and green energy alternatives make a positive impact on communities across America," Bass said. "Every time we recycle or use landfill gas to create clean energy, we not only help the planet, we also conserve considerable amounts of energy and natural resources." For example, the company's almost 100 renewable energy projects produce enough electricity to power more than 800,000 homes and save the equivalent of 8.2 million barrels of oil per year.

Waste Management, combined with its wholly owned subsidiary Recycle America, is North America's largest recycler, handling 5.8 million tons of commodities each year, and saving more than 70 million trees and enough energy to power 1.6 million households.

About Waste Management, Inc.

Waste Management, Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. Based in Houston, TX, the company serves municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential customers throughout North America. The company is strongly committed to a foundation of financial strength, operating excellence and professionalism. For more information about Waste Management, go to http://www.wm.com .

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization, with 1,000 affiliates and participating organizations. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving communities through litter prevention, waste reduction and beautification efforts. The Great American Cleanup™ is one of its many programs that encourage people to care for communities through volunteer participation. For additional information about Keep America Beautiful, visit http://www.kab.org.

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