-- Waste Management's Think Green® Grants awarded to 41 grassroots organizations that support Keep America Beautiful's mission --

STAMFORD, Conn., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National nonprofit Keep America Beautiful (KAB) today announced that, thanks to Waste Management WM, 41 Think Green® Community Improvement Grants are being awarded to local community organizations.  The Waste Management Think Green® Grants are part of an ongoing national effort to encourage the development of local environmental solutions that improve community environments through hands-on participation and engagement opportunities such as cleanups, beautification, recycling and environmental educational programs.

"America's communities rely on strong volunteer programs to create vital local economies, a healthier environment, and a more engaged citizenry," said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. "We're thankful for Waste Management's support for our mission to build a more sustainable future through grassroots action."

"As the nation's leading environmental solutions provider, Waste Management is committed to providing innovative solutions in the areas of recycling, energy creation and wildlife habitat, which make our communities cleaner and improve the quality of life," said Barry Caldwell, WM senior vice president of public affairs and communications and past chairman of the KAB board. "By working with KAB and their affiliates, Waste Management has the opportunity to create positive change through localized solutions that enhance our communities."

Waste Management works with KAB on programs designed to increase recycling and support community sustainability. The company is also a strong supporter of Keep America Beautiful's Great American Cleanup™, the nation's largest community improvement program.

Recipients of Waste Management Think Green® Grants are listed below.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful, Inc., established in 1953, is the nation's largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. This national nonprofit forms public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments. For additional information, visit www.kab.org.

About Waste Management
Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is the largest residential recycler and also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company's customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management, visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.

CONTACTS
KAB Contacts: Robert Wallace/Larry Kaufman
Tel: 203.659.3016 / 203.659.3014
Email: rwallace@kab.org / lkaufman@kab.org  
Web site: www.kab.org

Waste Management Contact: Debbie Figueras-Cano
Tel: 832-457-5113
Email: dfigueras@wm.com

SOURCE Keep America Beautiful, Inc.