Companies throughout the state of Rhode Island are celebrating several “green” initiatives this week. Among them is Cox Communications’ innovative recycling program within its product deployment process. From DVRs and high-definition receivers to Internet modems and routers, Cox’s New England Distribution Center has incorporated extra steps in its equipment processing to ensure materials are disposed in the most environmentally responsible manner.

“The New England Distribution Center plays a major roll in ensuring our operational engine keeps on rolling,” said Cox Communications Senior Vice President and General Manager Paul Cronin. “Through inventory management and equipment optimization, this group works hard to ensure the equipment needs of Cox’s technicians, retail operations and contractors are being met each and every day.”

While the distribution center recycles “everything paper,” its efforts to turn its other material-based trash into cash are most noteworthy. More than 11,000 pieces of equipment pass through the Comstock Parkway facility each week, including video receivers, voice and Internet modems, remote controls, industrial and customer power supplies and fiber optic cable. Once the equipment arrives, it weaves its way through high intensity testing before it is deployed to its customers and field and network technicians. Materials formerly sent to the Central Landfill in Johnston include steel receiver covers, plastic receiver bezels, obsolete receivers, cardboard, wood pallets, remote controls and copper. More than 200 tons of distribution center waste has been diverted from the Central Landfill since 2006.

The company has accomplished its ambitious environmental efforts without passing costs onto its customers.

“We have been able to sell items we previously paid to be taken away and reinvest those monies. Importantly, these efforts have allowed us to expand our recycling initiative across all Cox New England facilities as well as invest in new and advanced technology for our customers,” said Cronin.

Since 2006, Cox has saved more than $700,000 in operating costs at its Distribution Center.

“There seems to be reluctance in the business community to incorporate green practices into business operations,” said Brad Shipp, vice president of Information Technology and Facilities. “What many companies don’t understand is that you can protect the environment and save money at the same time.”

The company, which has been recognized for its recycling and composting efforts at its West Warwick location, unveiled its Distribution Center efforts as part of its overall “Cox Conserves” initiative.

Announced in 2007 by Cox Enterprises Chairman and CEO Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves enables and encourages Cox’s 80,000 employees nationwide and families to engage in eco-friendly practices that reduce energy use and promote sustainability. The goal of Cox Conserves is to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2017.