SAN DIEGO - July 07, 2013 - Kyocera Communications, Inc., a San Diego-based provider of wireless phones in the Americas and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., has received the Director's Recycling Award for environmental programs by the City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department (ESD). It is the thirteenth consecutive year the company, which operates multiple divisions in San Diego, has been awarded by the City for its recycling efforts. Overall, Kyocera has earned 20 such awards for recycling programs and other environmental efforts from the City - more than any other business in San Diego, according to the ESD.
Kyocera companies held the first annual Earth Expo on April 19 in San Diego with approximately 50 exhibitors sharing Earth-friendly tips, products and services under Kyocera International's "Solar Grove" of energy-generating parking shelters. The various Kyocera divisions also conducted a city-wide eWaste recycling campaign with STAR 94.1, NBC San Diego and numerous Irvine Company properties. Recycled mobile phones were donated to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit organization that recycles donated phones to provide deployed and returning members of the U.S. military cost-free methods to communicate with family while serving. Ultimately, Kyocera was able to provide 29,220 minutes of long-distance phone service to troops at southern California's Camp Pendleton.
Founded 54 years ago, Kyocera Corporation has maintained a philosophy of "harmonious coexistence" and a commitment to social responsibility and environmental protection. Kyocera Communications Inc. continued its leadership role in environmentally friendly business practices during the past year, recycling more than 36,778 pounds of paper, plastic, electronic and other waste materials otherwise destined for landfills, an increase of 37.5 percent over the previous year. Kyocera employees also participated in a volunteer beach cleanup at La Jolla Shores, sorting and disposing of trash and recyclable materials.
"Kyocera continues to expand its environmentally friendly business processes - from waste reduction and recycling to utilizing recycled materials for mobile phone packaging and streamlining our shipping processes, which in turn contributes to our bottom line," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "This year, Kyocera companies joined together to help increase awareness of the simple changes we can make for a positive impact on the environment, especially for businesses. Our eWaste campaign has continued to grow in awareness and popularity in San Diego, with donations to Cell Phones for Soldiers doubling over last year."
Kyocera's recycling and environmental efforts that earned the award included:
Cardboard: Kyocera separates cardboard from landfill-trash and recycles it for reuse. Kyocera Communications Inc. recycled approximately 9,500 lbs. of cardboard in 2012.
Paper: White and colored paper was collected in offices, copy rooms and labs, while confidential and proprietary documents were collected and securely shredded. Overall, approximately 2,500 pounds of mixed paper were recycled.
Aluminum Cans: Beverage cans were collected in offices and common break areas and removed nightly for recycling.
Electronic Scrap: 16,385 pounds of miscellaneous electronic scrap were recycled from Kyocera Communications Inc. labs and offices.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Fossil fuels used in the shipping process were reduced through the ongoing adjustments to the distribution of products.
Cell Phones: Collection bins were placed in Kyocera facilities and links were placed on the company's external Web site to encourage recycling of mobile devices throughout the year, and especially as part of the company's eWaste recycling program benefitting Cell Phones for Soldiers.
More information about Kyocera Communications' green programs, including its ISO-14001 certifications for environmental management systems, is available at www.kyoceramobile.com. Information about Kyocera Corporation's global environmental and social responsibility efforts is available at http://global.kyocera.com/company/csr.
About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life's challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company at www.facebook.com/KyoceraMobile or www.twitter.com/kyoceramobile.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine (or "advanced") ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, such as solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company's net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion).
Kyocera Communications, Inc.
John Chier
phone: 858.882.3543
e-mail: john.chier@kyocera.com