The following is a release from the Lake Washington School District:

For the seventh year in a row, Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is one of King County’s Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling. LWSD is now on the Honor Roll for organizations named a Best Workplace more than five consecutive years.

Increased recycling and waste prevention lowers the amount of garbage produced, which helps the district save money on garbage service. LWSD works to right-size service. It uses smaller garbage containers and less frequent garbage pickups. The district also puts garbage services on hold during school breaks. In the 2014-2015 school year, the district saved over $35,000 in waste costs due to right sizing, holding pickups over breaks and catching billing errors.

Several sustained efforts have kept LWSD on this list each year. LWSD continues to expand recycling and waste reduction programs district-wide. Nearly 75 percent of schools collect organic food waste for composting. Schools use durable trays and flatware. All schools have plastic foam recycling.

In addition, LWSD is a participant in the King County Green Schools program. Two schools reached new levels in this program this spring. The Carl Sandburg Elementary/Discovery Community School campus was recognized for achieving Level Four Green School status. Peter Kirk Elementary joined the program and was recognized as a Level One Green School.

Each spring, businesses in King County can apply for recognition as a Best Workplace for Waste Prevention and Recycling. This year, 112 local businesses were named to the list.