Page 389 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CASE STUDY 367

Next, material exchanges should be explored to search for another organization that
may be able to use the scrap as a raw material. Several national and state-specific
exchanges are available from the EPA. Finally, any remaining waste should be sent to
a third-party processor for recycling, such as a broker or fiber reclamation mill.

26.6 Case Study

In the spring of 2002, The University of Toledo Waste Minimization Team conducted
a solid waste minimization audit for a leather product manufacturer located in the
Midwest that specialized in gloves. The company employed 230 people and had annual
revenue of $1.1 million. The company generated 1500 tons of solid waste per year, pri-
marily fabric and leather hide by-products for an annual solid waste management cost
of $65,000 (see Fig. 26.1 for photos of the raw material).
From the results of the solid waste audit, the waste minimization team identified
opportunities to reduce the amount of solid waste disposed of at landfills by 25 percent
or 375 tons per year. This was accomplished by establishing a strategic partnership
with a pet-bedding manufacturer to collect the fiber scraps. These fiber scraps were
processed and used as filler in the pet beds. The pet-bedding company provided con-
tainers and transportation for the materials.

Figure 26.1 Leather picture.