Page 530 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

508 EDUCATION APPLICATIONS

Figure 40.2 Proposed
recycling container for
schools.

As shown in the table, the college could potentially generate over $1400 annually
from the sale of mostly aluminum cans and some other recyclables to local area recy-
clers. Figure 40.2 shows a typical recycling container used for schools. The amount paid
per ton of recyclables was gathered from current market prices. Due to the low amounts
of waste generated by all components except mixed office paper and newspaper, many
vendors were not likely to collect these other items. However, mixed office paper and
newspaper are the recyclable items that generate enough waste for county-sponsored
weekly collection. Aluminum cans may be recycled but are generated in quantities that
are too small for collection by the county.
Additional cost savings could also be realized from a reduction in waste hauling
costs. Based on this assessment, waste hauling charges can be reduced by approxi-
mately 75 percent by reducing the volume of waste taken by the hauler. The college
could potentially save approximately $6900 annually (calculated from a 75 percent
reduction of the annual waste hauling cost of $9212). This could be achieved by
removing recyclables (mixed office paper, newspaper, and aluminum cans) from the
waste stream. The cost savings will be achieved by reducing the frequency of waste
collection at the facilities. It is also possible to recycle the other recyclable items
which are not collected by the county, to further reduce the frequency of collection and
subsequently lower hauling costs.
If the above recommendations are implemented, the college will save a total of
$8300 ($1400 from sale of aluminum cans, $6900 from waste hauling reduction.).
Specific information regarding the procedures used to achieve these cost reductions is
in Table 40.4.