Page 499 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

EXEMPLARY PERFORMERS—OFFICE PAPER–RECYCLING PROGRAMS 477

■ Recycling collection modifications, in particular, require the collector to provide a
wider range of services and collect more materials. Investigate the use of a card-
board baler to conserve space; the current recycling collector may provide one at no
cost or for a small fee. A payback period may be developed once the fee is known.
■ Utilize stackable gaylords for mixed office paper. This would increase space uti-
lization and allow for more mixed office paper to be stored on the dock. A small
forklift may be required to transport the gaylords.

Three primary issues are recommended in regards to material handling. These are

1 Train all One Government Center employees on the recycling system and clearly
define their role.
2 Eliminate excessive handling that may be taking place due to the different collec-
tion procedures that vary floor to floor and reduce multiple handling of mixed office
paper by the custodial staff. Standardization of the procedure will help to achieve
this goal.
3 Develop a systematic collection procedure for mixed office paper and document it
(use the recommendations mentioned earlier as a guide).

With the mentioned training and improved collection system it is possible for One
Government Center to increase the recycling rate from its present 10 percent to a max-
imum of 46 percent and become a leader in office recycling.

37.7 Exemplary Performers—Office

Paper–Recycling Programs

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced in 2006 that Mr. Joel
Ostroff of Macon County, North Carolina had received the years Ed Hurley Memorial
Paper Recycling Award. The award recognizes an individual who has had a significant
and positive influence in advocating paper recycling.
In 1990, with the assistance of a part-time instructor, Mr. Ostroff organized and
established the Terraphile Society at Brevard Community College. The student-based
environmental organization was so successful that by 1993 the college was recycling
10,000 lb of newspapers and nearly 5000 lb of office paper each month. The Terraphile
Society also became actively engaged in public education and outreach. As a result of
its college-wide efforts, the Terraphile Society became the most successful collegiate
environmental group in Florida, winning awards from the State of Florida Education
Department, numerous environmental groups, and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s WasteWise program.
After his retirement from Brevard Community College, Mr. Ostroff began his career
as Macon County’s recycling coordinator. In the 5 years that he served in this position
the paper-recycling rate has increased by approximately 35 percent. He had enrolled
the five largest schools in the county in a paper-recycling program, and now plans