Here's a story about in-house recycling that a lot of processors could learn from -- and that many could try to pitch to their own local media.

Hoffer Plastics Corp., a South Elgin, Ill., injection molder, is the subject of the feature in the Arlington Heights, Ill., Daily Herald newspaper. It expalins how the company has made a commitment to recycling in late 2007 -- and how the decision is paying off.

In December, the company didn't send any waste to the landfill, according to Gretchen Hoffer Farb, the company's director of supply chain management.

"We're doing everything we can to sustain the environment and recycle. We send truckloads of plastic to a Jackson, Mo., recycler every week," Farb told the newspaper.

Farb said that value is translating to benefits for employees as well.

She estimates the company -- South Elgin's biggest employer -- will net more than $100,000 in the coming year from the initiative.

Although it takes workers more time to sort the materials, some of the funds will or have been used for employee recognition, the summer picnic and a Christmas gift for each worker.

"Without all the employees doing it, it wouldn't be successful," Farb said. "It's extra work, but everybody's embraced it."

Congratulations to Hoffer on implementing this successful program.