<B>CIWMB Names Concessionaire Top Ten Recycling Company</B>

Yosemite Concession Services Corporation was named one of the Top Ten companies in the state for its outstanding waste reduction, recycling, and reuse practices. YCS, an authorized concessionaire for the National Park Service, received the ``Waste Reduction Awards Program of the Year'' award from members of the California Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Waste Management Board.

In addition to this year's honor, YCS earned WRAP award recognition for eight consecutive years since the program's inception.

YCS diverts 41 percent of waste from its facilities through the Waste Diversion Programs. To support environmental practices, the company formed a Green Team that is comprised of managers throughout its organization to develop new environmental initiatives and operating procedures, several of which already have been instituted.

YCS recycles 25 different materials, including items such as fluorescent lamps, freon, propane canisters, kitchen grease and automotive fluids. In 1999, the company's progressive recycling program accounted for 740 tons of recycled material, including glass, cardboard, and paper products, in addition to 580 tons of organic waste (leaves, pine needles, manure) diverted to other uses, rather than being sent to a landfill. The company also recently began a 100-percent recycled oil initiative in which used automotive oil from company vehicles is refined and reused.