( BW)(FL-OFFICE-DEPOT)(ODP) Office Depot Joins U.S. EPA SmartWay(SM) DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2006--Office Depot (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced that it joined the SmartWay Transport Partnership, a voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and commercial, industrial and public sector organizations.

As an environmental leader in the office products industry, Office Depot will contribute to the Partnership's goal to reduce 33 to 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and up to 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxide per year by 2012. Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas, and nitrogen oxide is an air pollutant that contributes to smog.

"I am pleased to welcome Office Depot to the SmartWay Transport Partnership," said Margo T. Oge, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "They are the first office supply retailer to join the Partnership in a commitment to freight-related environmental performance and fuel efficiency."

"Joining the SmartWay Transport Partnership was the natural next step in our long-standing commitment to increasing fuel efficiency in all of our operations," said Mark Holifield, Office Depot's Executive Vice President, Supply Chain. "In 2004 and 2005 alone, we saved well over 4.5 million gallons of fuel by increasing the efficiency of our local distribution trucks, shifting from truck to inter-modal shipping, and reaching a target of 98% battery-operated forklifts in our distribution centers."

Yalmaz Siddiqui, Office Depot's head of Environmental Strategy stated: "By making smart decisions in our own transportation operations and supporting third-party carriers who improve their fuel efficiency, Office Depot continues to deliver substantial economic benefits from our industry-leading environmental programs."

Siddiqui noted that, as a SmartWay Transport Partner Shipper, Office Depot has committed to:

-- Measuring the greenhouse gas emissions at distribution facilities

-- Instituting no-idle policies at these facilities

-- Encouraging carriers to consider participation in the Partnership

-- Considering participation in the Partnership when awarding contracts to "for-hire" carriers; and

-- Tracking company performance to meet these goals.

About the SmartWay Transport(R) Partnership

Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The Partnership brings together major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, and logistics companies to pursue mutually beneficial efficiencies that result in emissions reductions and other environmental improvements, as well as cost savings to the companies. The Partnership currently has just over 350 Partners. For information, visit www.epa.gov/smartway.

About Office Depot and the Environment

Office Depot's environmental strategy focuses on delivering sustainable value to our shareholders and other stakeholders through transparency, accountability and responsiveness. Key initiatives center on sustainable forest management, recycling, energy efficiency, and growing markets for green products. In 2005, the company issued its second Green Book catalog of environmentally friendly products -- the only office products catalog printed on elemental chlorine-free, 100 percent Post-Consumer recycled paper.

In recognition of its environmental stewardship, Office Depot received the "Outstanding Retailer" Award by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Environmental Protection Agency as well as the European Office Products "Environmental Responsibility" Award. In addition, the company was again named to the FTSE4Good Index, which assesses companies' practices based on socially responsible investment principles.

About Office Depot

With annual sales of over $14 billion, Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, Office Depot conducts business in 23 countries and employs about 47,000 people worldwide. The Company operates under the Office Depot(R), Viking Office Products(R), and Viking Direct(R) brand names.

Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel - from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. With over $3.8 billion of sales, the Company is one of the world's largest e-commerce retailers. As of April 1, 2006, Office Depot had 1,049 retail stores in North America. Internationally, the Company conducts wholly-or majority-owned operations in 16 countries, and operates retail stores under joint venture and license arrangements in another five countries.

The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

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Copyright Business Wire 2006

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., Office Depot has annual sales of nearly $15 billion, and employs approximately 50,000 associates around the world. Currently, the Company sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 42 countries. Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel -- from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. Office Depot serves a wide range of customers through a dedicated sales force, telephone account managers, direct mail offerings, and multiple web sites.

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