Page 493 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CASE STUDY 471

■ Reliability of service in terms of on-time pickups, accurate tonnage reimbursements
and monthly reporting, and timely reimbursements
■ Ability to handle documents in accordance with security guidelines
■ Willingness to pick up all kinds of papers including high grade, mixed grade, file
stock, and corrugated
■ Maximum prices offered for mixed grades and file stock which comprise most of
recyclable tonnage

Monitoring recycling program performance is an important step to ensure the long-
term success of the program. Below is a list of activities that may be applied to accom-
plish this goal:

■ Keep accurate and up-to-date statistics:
■ Include tonnage figures
■ Include dollars received from recycling vendor
■ Include estimated cost-avoidance figures
■ Periodically inspect office areas to determine if employees are properly disposing
of recyclable materials.
■ Periodically arrange to have outside garbage unit analyzed by following unit to
transfer station to weigh contents and observe contents of unit:
■ Determine what percent of contents consists of recyclable materials
■ Determine if container is being pulled prematurely
■ Post recycling statistics in your building so that employees can see your progress.
■ Publish updated statistics and articles in company bulletins and newsletters.
■ Display recycling posters throughout the year.

37.6 Case Study

In August 1999 an action plan was developed to improve the office paper–recycling
program at One Government Center, in Toledo, Ohio. Representatives from the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Reuben Company, Keep Toledo/Lucas
County Beautiful, and the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District (the
District) attended an introductory meeting to develop the action plan. The goals of the
action plan were

■ Improve the material-handling system.
■ Develop solutions for storage constraints.
■ Develop a short-term material-handling strategy during building reconstruction.
■ Conduct a volume assessment of the current recycling system.
■ Interview several contacts on the recycling program’s effectiveness.
■ Access the cost-effectiveness and service arrangement for the compactor.

The waste minimization team utilized various on-site data-collection methods at
One Government Center and the landfill that received solid waste from the building.