Page 408 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

386 PAPER MANUFACTURING APPLICATIONS

The company is replacing the forward cleaners in the reject loop and improving reject
sorter operations to reduce fiber losses. The forward cleaners are being replaced in incre-
ments of 10 cleaners at a time. The new cleaners operate more efficiently, reducing fiber
losses. Since this project is incremental, it is difficult to measure results, but the com-
pany is confident that they will be saving a significant amount of fiber and money.
To reduce fiber losses in the reject sorter at the de-ink plant; improvements
included replacing the screen, increasing the dilution flow, and installing a strainer,
costing approximately $10,000. This improved plastic scrap going to the landfill and
saves the mill $5300 annually, along with the elimination of the disposable totes.
The mill also reduced its fresh water usage in the de-ink plant by returning vacuum
pump seal water to the reservoir, reducing fresh water usage significantly and
reducing final effluent volume.
The company instituted a beverage container–recycling program for glass bottles
and aluminum cans. The company also extended its paper-recycling efforts to include
mixed paper (magazines and newspapers) and corrugated cardboard. These programs
were relatively inexpensive to implement, and reduce disposal of solid waste signifi-
cantly. The mill recycles approximately 1.5 tons of waste beverage containers, more
than 4 tons of mixed paper waste, and approximately 100 tons of corrugated paper
(cardboard) annually.
The mill also cuts the metal end caps off their paper roll cores and returns them to
the supplier, who recycles them. This project costs approximately $12,000 a year in
labor, but reduces solid waste by approximately 55 tons per year. The company con-
tinues this project because the reduction in solid waste is substantial.
In addition, the mill attempted to reduce the generation of waste paper in its office
procedures. Prior to the distribution of many in-house reports, the management infor-
mation services (MIS) department now sends a questionnaire to the distribution list
asking whether or not it is necessary to print the report, and who wants copies.
While there is not a large financial incentive for the recycling and MIS projects, the
company benefits by reducing their landfilled solid waste, and the employees feel that
the company is actively working to reduce solid waste.

28.7 Exemplary Performers—

Recycling Paper Waste and

Paper By-Products

EcoCover is a mulch mat designed to replace plastic on the ground, that is histori-
cally used in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, and forestry. EcoCover is an
organically certified paper mulch mat primarily manufactured from waste paper
removed from the landfill waste stream. The mat is uniquely manufactured in the form
of a continuous laminate (sheet) that will suppress weeds; promote plant growth; con-
serve water; is fully biodegradable; will moderate (extreme) soil temperatures; elimi-
nate or reduce the use of herbicide; reduce plant mortality; carry beneficial additives