Page 416 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

394 PRINTING AND PUBLISHING APPLICATIONS

■ Reuse waste paper or collect for recycling.
■ Use scrap paper for press setup runs.
■ Cleanup
■ Use automatic blanket washes.
■ Wring or centrifuge used cloths to recover solvent and reuse solvent in parts washer
or for additional press cleaning.
■ Avoid soaking cloths in solvent; use plunger or squeeze bottle to dampen cloth.
■ Use parts washing equipment to wash press trays.
■ Use cleanup solution with lower VOC content and lower vapor pressure.
■ Clean ink fountains only when changing color; use spray skin overnight.
■ Provide marked, accessible containers for segregated collection of used solvents.
■ Waste Inks
■ Consider reusing as house colors.
■ Carefully label and store special-order colors for future reuse.
■ Mix to make black ink for internal or external use.
■ Recycle after processing.
■ Donate for reuse by printing schools or others.
■ Finishing
■ Use water-based adhesives.
■ Minimize coatings that hinder recycling.
■ Educate customers—Customer choices and specifications affect environmental impacts
of a printing process. It is important that customers receive the right information and
pricing signals to encourage purchasing decisions that reduce environmental impacts.

29.5 Implementation and Approach

In implementing solid waste minimization strategies, the first step is to investigate
waste reduction opportunities. This usually involves steps to cut the waste generated
from input materials. For example, methods can be implemented at printing press start-
up and shutdown to reduce paper waste scrap. In addition, scrap paper may be an option
to test runs at start-up versus the raw input material. The next step is to identify recy-
clers to handle the paper wastes. Since a large amount of paper waste is generated, the
organization can usually negotiate for a higher price per ton. They often serve as valu-
able partners in the process. Finally, the publisher or printer may consider enhancing its
image by planting trees and notifying customers of its recycling efforts.

29.6 Case Study

In fall 2007, a solid waste audit was conducted by The University of Toledo Waste
Minimization Team at a Toledo, Ohio–based printing company that employed 85
people and generated $1.6 million in annual revenue. The goals of the audit were to