Contact Information: Emily Albano, 913-551-7860, albano.emily@epa.gov

LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 28, 2022) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the Hy-Vee Cherokee Distribution Center in Cherokee, Iowa, a 2020 EPA Region 7 WasteWise Award.

“Congratulations to Hy-Vee on their well-deserved recognition as a WasteWise Award winner,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister. “Maintaining a 98.4% diversion rate during the coronavirus pandemic is an impressive achievement and demonstrates true commitment to waste reduction.”

“Hy-Vee is committed to making lives easier, healthier and happier in every community we serve, and making sure our operations are sustainable is a key part of that mission. We are grateful that our distribution teams are being recognized for their efforts to minimize our environmental impact, and we are always looking for additional ways to make sure we’re caring for our communities and our environment,” said Aaron Wiese, Hy-Vee’s vice chairman and president of supply chain and subsidiaries.

In fiscal year 2019, Hy-Vee diverted 31.57 million pounds of waste, including 22.47 million pounds of wood pallets; 701,956 pounds of cardboard; 687,837 pounds of plastic; and 132,144 pounds of donated product, with an overall diversion rate of 98.99%. Most significantly, Hy-Vee maintained a 98.4% diversion rate during most of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As one of EPA’s longest-running voluntary programs, WasteWise celebrated its 27th year in 2021. Over the years, WasteWise winners prevented and diverted close to 249 million tons of waste from landfills and incinerators, preventing more than 488 million tons of associated greenhouse gas emissions and saving over $13.7 billion in avoided landfill tipping fees.

EPA Region 7 is proud to recognize the Hy-Vee Cherokee Distribution Center for their accomplishment.

More information about each WasteWise award winner is available at:  www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise#AwardsandAwardWinners.