Contact: Russell Nanod
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WASTE MANAGEMENT PROVIDES $5,000 IN NEEDED FUNDING TO ASSIST HOMELESS U.S. VETS

Money Will Help Organization with Day-to-Day Operations

Kapolei, Hawaii, March 9, 2007 - With former U.S. veterans as employees, Waste Management of Hawaii understands the importance of helping military families. So when the company learned that U.S. Vets, the nation's largest organization devoted to helping homeless veterans, was often scrimping on office supplies and other day-to-day necessities, it promptly donated $5,000 to help.

According to Paul Burns, vice president and general manager of Waste Management Hawaii, WM has worked with U.S. Vets in the past on clean-up projects in the community and was impressed with the organization's dedication to providing assistance to an often-overlooked segment of the population.

"We are pleased to provide more assistance to our neighbors on the Leeward Coast and especially these men and women who have proudly served our country," said Paul Burns, vice president and general manager of Waste Management in Hawaii, which operates the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill.

The grant announcement follows the lead of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who worked with community members to develop a benefits package for the Leeward Coast.

"We're glad to see Waste Management stepping up to help homeless veterans," said Mayor Hannemann. "Addressing an issue as complex as homelessness on the Leeward Coast requires government and the private sector working together to seek solutions."

Since opening its Hawaii location in 2003, U.S. Vets has helped more than 800 veterans get off the streets, and provided food and shelter, job training, and psychological help for those with post traumatic stress disorder.

"We are already helping soldiers who have returned from Afghanistan and Iraq," said Darryl Vincent, U.S. Vets Hawaii Executive Director.

"This $5,000 contribution will go a long way in helping with the increasing cost in food, gasoline and operating expenses," said Kymberly Pine, public relations director for the veterans' organization. "We are very appreciative that Waste Management has compassion for our former soldiers who need help. We hope other Leeward companies take the same interest in helping our homeless veterans."

For more information on U.S. VETS please visit www.usvetsinc.org.

Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America. For more information about how we think green, log onto www.wm.com.

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