An honor bestowed on a popular Newhall eatery gives a new meaning to the phrase “Green eggs and ham.”

The California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery named the Egg Plantation as one of the 2011 winners recognized through the Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) for their environmentally-friendly business strategy.

The Egg Plantation diverted 20,000 pounds of food waste from landfills, with an estimated disposal savings of $2,000. They are the first Certified Green Restaurant in the city and join almost 500 other restaurants nationwide who adhere to environmentally sensitive practices.

One of the programs adopted by the Egg Plantation that caught CalRecycle’s attention was revamping their carryout containers. Owners Simon and Shannon Mee ended the use of styrofoam to-go containers, using containers made from sugar cane instead. In addition, all to-go cutlery is made from a biobased, compostable material.

According to the CalRecycle website, every entry was evaluated individually, based on reported waste prevention, recycling, composting, procurement and educational activities in calendar year 2010. WRAP 2011 honorees will receive certificates, window decals and a special logo to notify customers of their achievement.

Statewide, in 2010, 65 percent of all waste was diverted from landfills. Even with that impressive number, Californians still threw away more than 30 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2010 – 4.5 pounds per person, per day, and nearly 67 percent of this came from the commercial sector.

“This year’s WRAP wiunners are evidence that businesses and organizations of all sizes are achieving significant waste reduction and recycling goals, all while helping protect the environment and preserve our natural resources,” said CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen. “In 2011, we have 46 first-time winners and many organizations that have come back year after year with new and stronger waste prevention programs.”

In total, the winning entries reported diverting more than 2.3 million tons of material from landfills and reported more than $200 million in cost savings. Single sites represented 225 of the winning entries, while 55 were for businesses with multiple locations.

The WRAP program has been in effect since 1993. The Mees will receive their certificate and recognition from the City during a brief ceremony Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Egg Plantation is located at 24415 Walnut Street.