Page 209 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CASE STUDY—MAJOR WASTE STREAMS 187

TABLE 8.19 ESTIMATED POTENTIAL REVENUE FROM PAPER RECYCLING

*CURRENT *CURRENT
ANNUAL MARKET PRICE MARKET PRICE POTENTIAL
MATERIAL RECYCLED (PER TON) (PER TON) ANNUAL
STREAM (LB) (MINIMUM) (MAXIMUM) REVENUE

Paper plus MOP 95,184 $0.00 $30.00 $1427.76
Computer printout 14,126 $80.00 $110.00 $776.93

Total estimated revenue $2,204.69

only could they achieve potential revenue from the sale of the paper, but they would
also cut disposal costs.

8.10.15 OFFICE-PAPER RECYCLING PROGRAM

An easy and cost-effective program that can be established in any business is an
office-paper recycling program. Paper is relatively easy to collect but requires a coop-
erative effort in order to lower costs through proper waste management. A successful
office-paper recycling program can provide a stimulus for a company’s future efforts
in the minimization of other costly waste materials such as wood, cardboard, and pro-
duction waste. The following is an outline for instituting an office-paper recycling
program at the company.

1 Identify an office recycling leader When establishing a new paper-recycling
program, it is important to pick employees on a volunteer basis to lead the recycling
program. This person is responsible for talking to coworkers about proper locations for
different types of papers, identifying the kinds of paper that can be recycled in these
containers, and concerns about the program. A union workplace should encourage
union workers to get involved in this position.

2 Contact vendors Recycling vendors should be contacted to solicit current prices
for the items in Table 8.20.

3 Create a plan of focus The recycling leader should decide which products the
manufacturer should segregate. This should be based on estimates of which materials
are generated in quantities worth segregating. We recommend that the manufacturer
segregate office paper into three categories, if possible: white ledger, computer print-
out (CPO), and mixed office paper (MOP). These categories will supply the highest
return on investment.

4 Investigate locations and types of recycling receptacles The recycling
leader, with the help of coworkers, should identify the location and number of recy-
cling receptacles needed. Disposal receptacles should be present at any location where