Rethinking Waste, Advancing Progress
IMPACT STORY | PROCESS & PLANET
Reducing waste starts with understanding where materials go and creating processes that make responsible choices easier. Worthington Enterprises tries to discover practical ways to improve resource efficiency, increase waste diversion and engage employees in advancing our environmental goals.
During fiscal year 2026, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) recognized the company for its efforts to expand recycling and composting at our Columbus, Ohio, headquarters. Through SWACO’s enhanced Business Recycling Champion program, we became the first organization to earn dual recognition as both a Recycling Champion and Food Waste Champion.
The recognition reflects improvements made to help employees more effectively participate in waste diversion. New recycling and composting containers, clearer signage and expanded employee education created a more consistent approach to sorting materials and helped make sustainable practices part of everyday routines.
“These changes we have made increase the amount of material we divert from landfill while helping all of us better understand the role we play in responsibly managing our resources. By improving our infrastructure and education, we are better able to engage employees. Ultimately, these improved processes support behavior change which drives real environmental progress.”
- Sarah Kuhnell, Director, Sustainability
Rethinking how we manage waste is one example of our forward momentum. Through practical improvements, employee participation and a commitment to continuous improvement, we are taking meaningful steps to use resources more responsibly and reduce the environmental impact of our operations.
