16 years for Della Serra

Richard Della Serra marks his 16th year in business in the Valley at Mount Si Concrete.

Della Serra works with homeowners to install all types of concrete work, including foundations, walks, porches, slabs and basements, and now offers pressure washing and sealing. Free estimates and tips on concrete work are also available.

Mount Si Concrete has three employees and is located at 39906 S.E. 22nd Street in North Bend. Call the business at (360) 888-1839.

Philips, Summit get nod for recycling

Local businesses including Philips Oral Healthcare and the Summit at Snoqualmie are among King County’s 2008 Best Workplaces for Recycling.

The county’s Solid Waste Division named the companies to the second-annual “Best Workplaces for Recycling” list. In all, 50 companies around the county were recognized for strong internal recycling programs and for their commitment to making recycling a priority for their companies.

Each year, businesses in King County send more than 240,000 tons of recyclable materials to the landfill. By providing a recycling-friendly workplace, companies can dramatically increase their recycling rate, ultimately saving money on their garbage bill. For example, in some businesses, just providing desk-side recycling containers has increased recycling rates from 25 percent to more than 80 percent.

The goal of the list is to recognize the top recyclers and help motivate others in the local business community to improve recycling practices. Through it, businesses like Summit at Snoqualmie and Philips Oral Healthcare act as role models for other local businesses trying to become more environmentally friendly.

Many businesses cite fundamental practices, including setting goals, designating a recycling coordinator, educating employees and making it easier to recycle than to throw away, as keys to success.