Page 164 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

142 THE GENERAL APPROACH FOR A SOLID WASTE ASSESSMENT

May 15th

Memo to All Employees:

On May 22nd the solid waste analysis and minimization team will conduct a waste audit at our
facility between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The purpose of this waste audit is to determine the amount
and composition of our waste stream to help us become more environmentally friendly by reducing,
reusing, and recycling. On the day of the assessment, please do not empty any waste containers
in your work unit. Also, if you have any ideas or suggestions to help us become more
environmentally friendly, please share them with the assessment team on May 22nd.

Thank you for your support.

President and CEO

Figure 8.18 Sample service talk.

This will help ensure a smooth waste sort by informing employees to keep all trash
available to measure and prevent data collection delays resulting from the team con-
tinually being asked who they are and what they are doing. In addition, the messages
could solicit suggestions for improvement and employee comments. By sending the
messages earlier, it will give the employees time to think about waste generation in
their work units and provide more value-added feedback. Figure 8.18 displays a sample
service talk that could be used to inform all employees.

8.5.2 WASTE SORT GUIDE

The waste sort itself is straightforward; every individual waste and recycling recepta-
cle in the facility is analyzed and a data collection form is completed. During the walk-
through, the assessment team will gather raw data on what they observed as well as
record the location and the main purpose of each dumpster. The team also examines
the company’s main production, the waste flow in the facility, number of waste
streams in the facility, and draws a process and material flow diagram. Ideally, if a lay-
out of the facility is available, it may be used to segment the plant to collect data for
the team members. In general, a team of two people is recommended for each mini
team. This will allow one person to measure and sort and the other to record the data.
Figure 8.19 shows a sample of a completed form.

8.6 Step 5: Data Analysis

The primary outcome of the analysis phase is the annualized waste generation baseline
data for the facility. This baseline data should be broken down by the component waste
stream (paper, metal, etc.), work unit of generation, and how the component waste
stream is currently handled (landfill, recycled, burned, etc.). Each component should