Page 498 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

476 COMMERCIAL, RETAIL, FINANCIAL, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE APPLICATIONS

building management’s role in emptying the containers. Another important concern
from the employees involved the guidelines regarding which materials may be
placed in the recycling bins (for example newspapers). Overall most employees at One
Government Center have a positive attitude on recycling and are willing to make neces-
sary changes to improve the recycling system.
The custodial crew was very helpful in conducting the waste assessment. The cus-
todial crew is responsible for emptying the large centrally located totes on each floor,
when they become full. This is usually done on an on-call basis or when the custodian
visually notices the tote is full. The custodial crew is contracted from an outside com-
pany (not government employees). Confidential paper must be shredded in some
departments, but this is usually collected by an outside contractor as well. A small
amount of mixed office-paper shred is placed into the centrally located totes to be
recycled. Some key findings and areas for improvement determined from interviews
with the custodians were

■ All emptying of waste baskets and recycling totes are conducted during second
shift, when few government employees are present.
■ Floor-by-floor variation on procedures exists due to lack of communication or from
specific floor requests.
■ One service elevator is available at the facility, and limits the transportation of
waste and recyclables to the loading dock located in the basement.
■ Office elevators are used by the custodial staff, but only for limited floor-to-floor
movement of staff or supplies.
3
■ A gauge for the 20-yd compactor (used for general waste) may help to better deter-
mine when the compactor is full. This may aid management in determining when
the compactor is full and when to call and have it hauled. This will help to reduce
costs.

The staff of One Government Center has expressed concerns regarding the small
dock that is used to store waste and recyclables. Figure 37.2 shows a diagram of the
dock. The dock has limited storage space, and the following items have been devel-
oped to increase space utilization:

58 ft

8 ft

23 ft

2
The dock is irregular in shape, and has approximately 600 ft
of useable surface.

Figure 37.2 Diagram of the dock at One Government
Center.