Page 541 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

42

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

APPLICATIONS

42.1 International Waste Management

Goals and Opportunities in Service

For the international community, solid waste generation in service organizations is
receiving increased attention. The majority of solid wastes generated by these organi-
zations are similar to their counterparts in the United States. These wastes are mixed
office papers, food waste, and yard waste. New statistics show that the paper- and
board-recycling rate in Europe reached 64.5 percent in 2007, which confirms that the
industry is on track to meet its voluntary target of 66 percent by 2010.
According to the European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC) the total amount of
paper collected and sent to be recycled in paper mills was 60.1 million tons, an
increase of 7.6 million tons (or +14.5 percent) since 2004, the base year for the target.

42.2 Constraints and Considerations

The key constraints associated with solid waste minimization for international service
organizations are similar to those of manufacturing organizations. These constraints
and considerations include

■ Increased waste disposal costs
■ Increased and varying government regulations
■ Lack of recycling vendors in certain areas
■ Space constraints within and outside the building to stage materials
■ Separation and contamination of office papers (both the process, equipment and
labor required)
■ In some cities, narrow streets

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