The goal of the WOW Ambassador Program is to recognize and reward Mecklenburg County businesses that are committed to building a strong community while fostering an environment of stewardship to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in the workplace and purchase recycled products.

This year's winners include:

The Carolinas Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic – Commercial Drop-Off Center of the Year

Mecklenburg County’s Commercial Drop-Off Center Program allows small businesses to host recycling drop-off centers that are open to the public. Carolinas Animal Hospital & Dental Clinic established their recycling drop-off center in 2010.

Gita Sporting Goods, Ltd. – Sustainable Small Business of the Year

Gita has a comprehensive recycling program addressing aluminum cans, batteries, cardboard, food wrappings, glass bottles, ink cartridges, light bulbs, manufactured waste, metal cans, packaging, paper and plastic bottles.

Junk Rescue – Sustainable Recycling Service Provider of the Year

Junk Rescue helps businesses recycle more than 5 tons of materials a week. This includes a wide array of items ranging from paper and cardboard to electronics and mattresses.

Charlotte Latin School – Outstanding Environmental Education Program

Charlotte Latin School updated and rejuvenated their on-campus recycling program last year, converting to single stream recycling and incorporating composting and waste and energy reduction efforts. They also began purchasing green cleaning products, recycled content paper products, organic gardening products and locally grown or raised food products.

Celgard LLC – Outstanding Waste Reduction & Recycling Program

Celgard goes far beyond your typical on-site recycling program. They recycle any universal waste that can be recycled by regulation. This equates to approximately 99.36% of their waste stream, with only 0.64% going to the landfill.

For more information on Mecklenburg County's Wipe Out Waste intitative, visit: Wipe Out Waste Mecklenburg County