Page 473 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CASE STUDY 451

the company could significantly reduce both the amount of material going to the land-
fill as well as disposal costs. The following sections provide alternatives for dealing
with the recyclable materials not currently recycled. The nine major dock waste
streams are mentioned in Table 35.2.
Of the major waste streams, wood pallets constituted the largest opportunity to
increase recycling rates. The company generated over 420, 000 lb of wood from their
operations on an annual basis. Figure 35.2 is a picture of these pallets. This wood
waste results from damaged and unnecessary pallets as well as damaged or carelessly
disposed of wood blocking, which is used to secure freight in trailer-loading opera-
tions. Wood is both reusable and recyclable and should be handled in such a way that
it is beneficial to both the company and the environment. In order to reduce the
frequency of disposal of the wood hopper, the company examined the possibility of a
precrusher grinding unit to reduce the wasted volume in the disposal container. A cost
analysis of this machine indicated that it would save the company $14,000 per year
with a payback period of 1.3 years.
The plastic wrap used in the freight-loading and unloading process is potentially
recyclable. The company disposed of approximately 33 tons of plastic wrap per year.
By instituting a collection program for plastic material, the company would enjoy a
twofold benefit. First, the plastic material would be removed from the disposal stream,
therefore reducing compactor volumes, frequency of disposal, and hence, disposal
costs. The second benefit involves the collection of revenue for the film plastic. By
recycling the film plastic generated in the dock area, the company had the potential to
generate revenues up to $1500.
Over 56,000 lb of corrugated cardboard were generated yearly. The corrugated
cardboard serves the same function as the boxboard throughout dock operations,

TABLE 35.2 WASTE HANDLING OPTIONS FOR THE NINE MAJOR DOCK
WASTE STREAMS

WASTE AMOUNT GENERATED WASTE HANDLING
STREAM (LB/YEAR) OPTIONS

Boxboard 25,165 Recycling
Film plastic 57,752 Recycling

Metal banding 65,773 Recycling
OCC 57,909 Recycling

Paper 26,767 Recycling/source reduction
Paper cups 27,453 Source reduction

Tape 14,298 Source reduction
Wood 420,375 Recycling

Miscellaneous 22,306 Source reduction