Page 27 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

DEFINITIONS 5

1.2 Definitions

In order to study waste analysis and minimization, it is first necessary to understand the
terms and definitions that relate to the process. In the field of recycling, people often
have differing expectations upon hearing many of the common terms. To compound the
problem, finding universal definitions for these terms can be challenging as many com-
panies and government agencies create their own designations, often using combina-
tions of technical and operational components. This section discusses these key terms
and definitions as they relate to the topics covered in this book.
First of all, it is important to define solid waste analysis and minimization. Waste analy-
sis is the detection of waste streams, their origins, their composition and their destinations.
Waste analysis is often accomplished through a waste audit or assessment procedure.
This involves a walk through of the facility, as well as tracking and quantification. Waste
minimization is the process of reducing waste streams through source reduction, reuse and
recycling of materials, and the reallocation of resources. Typically, the waste audit involves

■ Research of the company’s process and overall solid waste generation
■ Recommendations that are designed to maximize process efficiency and reduce solid
waste disposal costs
■ A detailed reference list of vendors that complement the recommendations

The waste minimization procedure is segmented into four phases as displayed in
Fig. 1.1, which provides an overview of the waste minimization procedure.

1.2.1 SOURCE REDUCTION

Source reduction is the reduction of materials coming into the system. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) defines source reduction as “activities designed to reduce the
volume or toxicity of waste generated, including the design and manufacture of prod-
ucts with minimum toxic content, minimum volume of material, and/or a longer useful
life.” The two interesting components of this definition are volume and toxicity. This
means that an organization does not have to solely focus on reducing volumes for source
reduction initiatives, but could focus efforts on reducing the negative impacts of impacts
on the environment of those same volumes. This may mean a reduction of pallets enter-
ing a building or of flash being generated from a mold.
An example of source reduction includes the environmental efforts of Proctor and
Gamble, the makers of Tide laundry detergent. Tide switched from a plastic bottle to a
flexible pouch. The flexible pouch weighs 85 percent less than a plastic bottle and the
amount of packaging is 84 percent less than the plastic bottle. This source reduction also
resulted in lower transportation costs for the company.

1.2.2 REUSE

Reuse is the actual reuse of a material in its present form. Some examples are printing
draft copies on the reverse side of previously used paper, using incoming pallets as out-
going pallets, or using incoming boxes as collection containers for recyclables.