McLEOD HEALTH FOUNDATION 6 OCTOBER 2014

Since 2013, American Waste Systems (AWS) has provided generous funding to support the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatments and Research. These donations are made possible through the "In the Pink" Campaign to support breast cancer awareness and research.

Throughout participating communities, "pink cans" line the curbs and roads, not only raising awareness of and funds for breast cancer, but also espressing a personal statement of support. A portion of the proceeds from the pink can sis donated to organizations such as the McLeod Health Foundation.

American Waste is the first waste hauler in South and North Carolina to offer this option.

Charles Bethea, Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, and his wife Frances, proudly support the "In the Pink" Campaign in Marion.

"We are indeed appreciative of the generous support of Jim Heustess and American Waste Sytems for the McLeod Cancer Center," says Bethea. "Like Jim, I share the loss of a loved one to breast cancer, and am encouraged that our Cancer Center will be even more effective in the diagnosis and treatment of this dreaded disease with this community support."

History of "In the Pink"
"In The Pink" came about in 2009 when Jim Heustess, Owner and Co-Founder of American Waste Systems, returned from the Waste Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. He was so excited about a new, bright pink garbage cart developed by Cascade Engineering for Breast Cancer Awareness.

This was a topic close to Jim’s heart. In May 2002, he lost his first wife, Kathy, to breast cancer at only forty-two years of age.

Upon returning home from Atlanta, Jim discussed opportunities to contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness with his wife, Leann, and her son, Leland. They developed the "In the Pink" campaign featuring the pink garbage cans and even established the "In the Pink" Foundation, dedicated to Kathy Dunlow-Heustess.

"These pink trash carts have brought breast cancer awareness to the waste industry," Jim Heustess said. "Like our family, most everyone has been affected by breast cancer, and these pink carts inspired us to do all that we can to support breast cancer awareness and research."

In 2010, American Waste launched its first division outside of North Carolina and expanded into South Carolina after being awarded the contracts for the cities of Mullins and Marion. Following these contracts, AWS established new South Carolina headquarters in downtown Marion.

Twelve months later, AWS launched operations in Lake View, Nichols and Clio. In addition, July 2013 marked a landmark partnership for "In The Pink" by expanding operations into the city of Loris with 100% participation in the pink cart program

"’In the Pink’ offers a unique opportunity for our customers to make a personal statement about their support of the fight against breast cancer," said David King, co-founder of AWS.

To learn more about American Waste Systems’ "In the Pink" Campaign, please call 843-765-3390.