Mission:
To provide a national public service that consolidates environmental resources into one user-friendly network and empowers citizens with community-specific information to protect and improve the environment.

Background:
Founded in 1991 in Arizona and expanded nationwide five years later with a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Earth 911 is a public-private partnership that promotes environmental responsibility at the local level. Using the site's ZIP code-based tools and data — or by dialing 877-EARTH911 or 800-CLEANUP — consumers can learn where to recycle or safely dispose of household hazardous waste products, such as paint, batteries, and electronic items. Earth 911's public-sector partners help develop its services, while its private-sector partners contribute technological and financial resources. And state and local groups promote their environmental initiatives on the site free of charge.

Outstanding Web Features:
Visitors to the Web site simply enter their ZIP code for community-specific information such as local recycling centers, household hazardous waste, environmental education for kids, and beach water quality. Users may also register to receive the Earth 911 newsletter. The site's home page links to general information about air and water pollution, green shopping, curbside recycling, as well as to environmental-news links and public service announcements available free from Earth 911 for use by nonprofit groups. By accessing Earth 911 Business, companies can learn how to create and implement their own waste reduction plans.