Focus -- Waste Minimization--Special Issue: Solid Waste Reduction for NC Business and Industry

Issue No. 14
Spring 1993

North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
Office of Waste Reduction
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
Phone (919) 571-4100

Table of Contents

Solid Waste Management - Perspectives for NC Industries

Businesses and industries are facing the challenges of a rapidly changing field in municipal solid waste management. Like most other states, North Carolina has passed legislation, enacted regulations, and set goals for the better management of its solid wastes. North Carolina's sanitary landfills now must be lined and equipped with leachate recovery systems. The costs of waste management are increasing due to these requirements and other waste management activities.

Only recently has it become imperative for businesses and industries to educate and prepare themselves for the dynamic changes occurring in solid waste management and disposal. Companies are now finding it necessary to seek alternative waste management practices due to economic, regulatory, and public interest factors. Waste reduction, recycling and other issues discussed in this newsletter are some of the viable waste management alternatives available to help reduce the dependence on traditional disposal practices.

From July 1, 1990 through June 30, 1991, over 90 percent of the 7.1 million tons of solid waste produced in North Carolina was disposed of in public landfills. Solid waste from businesses and industrial facilities makes up approximately two thirds of all municipal waste. Fortunately, many companies generate volumes of homogenous waste which can easily be targeted for waste reduction and recycling rather than disposal. Thus, business and industrial sectors can have some of the greatest influence on reducing the dependency on landfilling.

The challenge lies ahead for industrial, commercial and institutional sectors to realize the positive and realistic role that they can play in reducing waste generation in North Carolina.

Several factors contribute to the rises in "tipping fees" that a company finds in its monthly disposal bill. North Carolina was one of the first states to require that all active sanitary landfills be lined by 1998. The requirement means that 99 operating public unlined landfills have to be closed out by this date. Landfill closure is expensive; some closures will require groundwater remediation. Problems with old unlined landfills including groundwater degradation and methane gas generation have prompted new federal regulations entitled "Subtitle D" of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This Act requires new landfills to have protective liners, to collect and treat leachate, to control gases and to monitor the landfill for 30 years after closure. New lined landfills cost anywhere between $150,000 and $400,000+ per acre to construct. These costs, plus higher operating costs and financial assurance costs for closure, will cause public and private landfills to increase "tipping fees."

To reduce the size and costs of new disposal facilities and the long-term effects of disposal, local governments have begun to move in the direction of integrated solid waste management. Integrated solid waste management uses a combination of programs to better manage solid wastes and to reduce dependence on landfilling or incineration. Integrated programs can include: waste reduction and recycling programs for residential and business sectors; materials recovery facilities; mixed waste processing; transfer stations; composting; household hazardous waste collection; and other material specific programs for such items as white goods, tires and batteries. These initiatives, in conjunction with new lined landfills, regionalized facilities, or incinerators, will affect waste management costs.

Like many other states, North Carolina has enacted measures designed to encourage waste reduction and recycling activities as an important part of integrated solid waste management programs. The Solid Waste Management Act of 1989 (as modified by House Bill 1109) is a driving force behind these waste reduction activities. The Act establishes a 25 percent statewide solid waste reduction goal by June 30, 1993 and a 40 percent waste reduction goal by 2001 for local governments. Among the other provisions of this law are planning and reporting requirements for local governments, requirements that local governments (holding a disposal permit) institute a recycling program, and bans on the disposal of certain materials, such as appliances, tires, used oil, lead acid batteries, and yard waste in sanitary landfills.

As companies look closer and closer at all the costs associated with waste handling, collection, hauling, and disposal, they are discovering that waste reduction and recycling actually help avoid costs and improve their profitability.

Many local governments have initiated ambitious waste reduction efforts, and some have instituted their own ordinances on recyclable materials such as cardboard. Local governments have begun to seek cooperative efforts with private companies to implement long term, cost effective waste management programs. Many opportunities await industries and businesses to work with local governments to help shape innovative waste management programs to divert materials from disposal.

As explained above, rising disposal costs and new regulations are causing companies to become more waste conscious. This new awareness is, in turn, leading companies toward more efficient operations and more cost control in the long run. As companies look closer and closer at all the costs associated with waste handling, collection, hauling, and disposal, they are discovering that waste reduction and recycling actually help avoid costs and improve their profitability. In addition, companies that recycle and reduce waste are projecting a positive image to the community and exemplifying the term "good corporate citizen." Proactive efforts on the part of business and industry to reduce solid waste means a safer environment and a healthier bottom line.

Much of the information in this article was taken from the North Carolina Annual Report on Solid Waste Management for July 1, 1990 - June 30, 1991. Contact the Office of Waste Reduction or the NC Solid Waste Section for a copy of the report.

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Cost Avoidance & Your Bottom Line

If you can't make any money recycling your waste, why do it? Many companies that recycle have discovered that the money they receive from the sale of recyclable materials does not cover the cost of the recycling program. So that means recycling is a money loser, right? Not necessarily - here's why:

The throwaway habit is as ingrained in companies as it is in people. It is usually an unconscious behavior, part of "the way things are always done," and it may even include an ignorance of current and future wastehandling costs. However, companies that look closely at their waste collection and disposal practices often find that their current costs are high and future costs will be higher still.

More specifically, companies should realize that as their community strives to meet new environmental standards for landfills, the cost to dump loads at the landfill (the "tipping fee") will likely double or triple within the next five years. At least one county in North Carolina charges $60 per ton for waste disposal at its landfill and incinerator.

This is where recycling comes in. Although it is hard to make money recycling and although recycling may cost money to implement, it does allow a company to avoid even higher costs of waste collection and disposal. A company that can reduce waste (meaning there is little to recycle or landfill) can substantially reduce solid waste management expenditures.

In effect, recycling and waste reduction can be money-making strategies by being cost-avoiding strategies. Companies can analyze the cost-avoidance potential of recycling by first drawing up a simple waste cost "balance sheet." This balance sheet could also be used to calculate cost avoidance associated with other waste reduction programs.

Solid Waste Recycling Balance Sheet
Annual Waste Costs & Savings; Typical Items To Include:
Assessing current waste management costs
A.Fixed asset costs of waste handling; annualized rent or purchase of dumpsters, rolloff containers, dedicated trucks 
B.+In-house waste operations costs; personnel & maintenance on waste handling assets, trash compactor electricity 
C.+Hauling costs; contract prices for hauling or servicing dumpsters, fueling waste hauler trucks 
D.+Disposal costs; total annual (per ton) tipping fees at the landfill 
E.= Total Waste Costs 
Assessing potential benefit from recycling
F.+Recycling fixed asset costs; purchase or rental costs of cardboard balers, dedicated rolloff containers 
G.+Recycling operational costs; personnel costs assoc. w/ baler electricity, recycling, wire, maintenance 
H.+Recycling hauling costs; cost to get recyclable to market, pickup fees, etc. 
I. = Total Waste + Recycling Cost 
J.- Avoided waste fixed asset cost; savings from avoided purchases or rental of dumpsters, rolloff containers, etc. 
K.Avoided waste hauling costs; savings from reduced number of hauls or reduced dumpster service charges 
L.Avoided in-house waste operations; possible saving from less personnel time, less maintenance dollars 
M.Avoided disposal costs; savings in tipping fees at the landfill 
N.Tax credit for waste reduction; savings from statutory tax breaks for dedicated recycling equipment 
O.Recycling revenues; any money received from sale of recyclable materials 
P. = Total cost of waste program including recycling 
Compare lines E. and P. If line P. is less, then recycling is for you. 

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Your Local Government Connection

Many businesses and industries that want to reduce and recycle their solid waste can receive help from their local governments. Since July 1991, local governments have been required to implement a recycling program, and many offer direct assistance to businesses. This waste reduction assistance can include local workshops or conferences, site visits, on-site assessments (waste reduction surveys), and literature or other educational materials on waste reduction.

Local government recycling coordinators and solid waste staff can be a valuable resource for businesses and industries. They have a good grasp of markets for recyclables and can provide other valuable information and assistance. They also can explain the local solid waste situation and answer questions about current and future disposal costs. Some local governments even give awards to businesses and industries that achieve substantial waste reduction.

Businesses and industries should make use of local government resources, but local governments also need your company's involvement in local waste reduction efforts. Public recycling coordinators have a large stake in the waste reduction activities of the local private sector and can be good partners in any waste reduction effort. Whether your industry chooses to help lead local activities in cooperative partnership with a local government or simply makes use of the local resource available, it is important to realize both public and private sectors are working toward common goals.

Examples of Local Waste Reduction Assistance Targeted at Business and Industry

Local GovernmentType of Assistance/ Interaction
Davidson CountyWaste reduction workshops: training on performing a waste audit.
Gaston CountyWaste minimization seminar, helping conduct "waste audits," business waste survey as precursor to coop marketing. Possible waste exchange and waste exposition.
City of KernersvilleWaste reduction workshop, provides informational packet on waste reduction.
City of Winston-SalemWaste reduction workshop, provides a "Guide to Business Recycling" to area businesses.
City of High PointEistribute literature, perform on-site visits.
Burke CountyWaste reduction workshops, waste exchange, awards program.
New Hanover CountyProgram offering on-site visits to assess waste streams, provides waste reduction options.
Pitt CountyLocal waste exchange program, on-site assistance, buy-back program.
Orange CountyCommercial recycling coordinator assisting businesses with waste reduction strategies, program for commercial glass and cardboard recycling.
Wake CountyConvened task force of private and public representatives to assess waste reduction options for the community, workshops, waste reduction literature for businesses.
City of DurhamWaste reduction workshops for local businesses and industries.
City of GreensboroTargeted source reduction program.
Mecklenburg CountyProvides literature, on-site assistance, and other services to local businesses.
Franklin CountyProvides on-site assistance, conducted seminar on future disposal costs, awards program for businesses.
Davie CountyConducts on-site visits to local industries, other services available.
Alamance CountySeminars, on-site visits, and other assistance and information.
Please note! This is by no means a complete list of available local government assistance in waste reduction. If you have questions about what assistance is available to you or if your company is receiving assistance that you would like to let us know about, please call the NC Office of Waste Reduction at (919/ 571-4100).

Local Ordinances on Recyclable Materials

The flip side of assistance from local governments is the institution of local restrictive ordinances to keep recyclables out of the landfill. In the face of state and federal regulations regarding waste reduction and disposal, many local governments are implementing waste management policies which directly affect business and industry. Most policies are aimed at keeping certain recyclables out of the landfill through a system of fines and penalties. The most commonly targeted material is corrugated cardboard. The following chart shows many of the North Carolina counties and cities that have implemented such policies:

Local Government Disposal Restrictions on Recyclable Materials

Local GovernmentContactPhoneRecyclables with Restrictions or Penalties
Alamance CountyMike Garner(919) 227-0101Cardboard, newspaper, glass, #1&2 plastics, steel cans, office
Blowing Rock, Town ofChris May(704) 295-3104All recyclables listed on a printed schedule
Buncombe CountySteve Heiselman(704) 255-5066Cardboard
Burke CountyTom Rhodes(704) 433-9500Cardboard
Catawba CountyDick Wyatt(704) 465-8263Cardboard
Chatham CountyMike Shore(919) 542-8239Cardboard
Duplin CountyTeresa Quinn(919) 289-3091Non-specified
Gaston CountySandra Campbell(704) 866-3081Cardboard
Haywood CountyLinda Clark(704) 452-6661Cardboard
Pitt CountyPhil Dickerson(919) 830-6354Cardboard
Raleigh, City ofLarry Mitchell(919) 831-8690Cardboard
Randolph CountyGeorge McArthur(919) 629-2131Cardboard
wood/yard waste
Rowan CountyPatti Burchette(704) 636-8747Cardboard
Wake CountyLowell Shaw(919) 856-6201Cardboard
Wayne CountyCaroline Parker(919) 731-1600Cardboard
Magazines
Glass
Newspaper
#1&2 Plastic alum. cans
* State disposal bans also include yard waste - Jan, '93, White goods - Jan, '91, lead acid batteries - Jan, '91, & used oil - Oct, '90.

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New Used Oil Management Standards Under RCRA

NC Division of Solid Waste Management

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released new stricter management standards for used oil (see No. 57 Federal Register, page 41566, September 10, 1992). EPA has again ruled that used oil which is properly recycled or burned for energy recovery is not considered a hazardous waste provided that it is handled properly under the new management standards.

These new federal regulations establish guidelines for responsible management, recordkeeping and tracking for all used oil handlers (regardless of the quantity handled) including used oil generators, burners, recyclers, processors and re-refiners. The definition of used oil includes crankcase oil, cutting oil, machine oil, etc. Synthetic oils are also included.

Accepting used oil from people who change their own oil (Do-It-Yourselfers) for recycling is strongly encouraged by EPA. Service stations that accept oil from Do-It-Yourselfers and abide by the new federal requirements are not liable for emergency response costs or damages resulting from threatened or actual releases of used oil from subsequent handling of the oil.

At the state level, the North Carolina Division of Solid Waste Management is in the process of developing implementation plans for these additional Federal Used Oil Regulations.

For further information, contact this Division at (919) 733-4996.

For more information or to order a copy of the final federal regulation (40 CFR 279), contact

RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346
RCRA Information Center
USEPA, Office of Solid Waste (OS-305)
410 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460

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Have You Looked In Your Dumpster Lately?

How to Conduct a Solid Waste Reduction Survey: An Outline

By taking a closer look at what is in your dumpster, you may be able to target some easy areas of waste reduction and cost savings that have been accidentally overlooked. A solid waste reduction survey is a systematic way to examine the solid waste generated at your facility. The survey reveals the types, amounts and reasons why waste is produced. Through a better understanding of your solid waste streams, you may find opportunities for waste reduction, recycling and cost savings.

Why should we conduct a survey?

By knowing exact types, quantities and characteristics of the waste produced, waste reduction options are opened. - By tracking your waste stream, waste reduction progress can be monitored.

How should we get started?

Get support and commitment of top management.

How do we conduct the survey?

Conduct the survey over specific time periods upon which you decide.

How can we ensure accuracy of the survey?

Conduct survey during typical production periods.

Are any standard survey forms available?

What's the next step after the survey?
Other Resources

Contact your city or county recycling coordinator or local government solid waste staff.

Strategies to Optimize Pallet Management

Managing used pallets can turn into a real headache. Without a plan of attack, you may find your pallets accumulating "out back" only to be hauled off and disposed of at a significant expense. If you find yourself in a bind when dealing with pallet management, consider the following management techniques.

Surveying Your Situation:

First, examine the current use of your pallets to determine why they become a waste. Take note of the sizes, the types, the number of pallets being purchased, hauled off and their use requirements. Also note the costs that your company incurs by purchasing, handling and disposing of such pallets. After gathering this background information, ask yourself the following questions about reducing the number of pallets that you must manage:

Next, consider the following pallet management strategies:

Standardizing Pallet Sizes:

Are the pallets shipped into your facility the same size as the pallets used to ship out final products? To reduce the number of pallets that your company is handling, consider standardizing the incoming and outgoing pallets. Work with your vendors to supply incoming materials on pallets that you can use for shipping out your final products. This may require some modifications to racking, storage facilities or product orientation, but the savings may be well worth it. Companies can pay up to $850 or more for each new full sized pallet purchased, plus handling and disposal costs for each pallet not reused.

Try to use standard-size pallets such as a 48" x 40" four way. This will improve the markets and value for used pallets by reducing sorting needs and increasing standard-sized pallet volumes. Standardization facilitates recycling.

Exchanging Pallets:

One way to handle excess pallets is to set up an exchange between businesses. An example of this type of exchange was initiated by the Pitt County Solid Waste Department. Pitt County officials formed a list of businesses that had used pallets and companies that needed pallets. Several businesses made "marriages" to exchange pallets, thus keeping pallets out of the solid waste stream and reducing costs for those needing pallets. Exchanges work especially well when participating businesses do not require top quality pallets. These intra-county exchange programs can also be expanded into larger regional waste exchanges to increase the material pool. Contact Joy Hudson or John Weaver with the Pitt county Solid Waste Department (919/ 830- 6354) for more information on this type of intra-county waste exchange program. Does your company have sister facilities that can exchange pallets with you? If so, this may be a good option.

Repairing Pallets:

Some businesses have found it economical to repair pallets in-house. You can expect to save about $3 - $4 per pallet repaired. Companies that use pallets regularly may find it more economical to purchase high quality, rebuildable pallets instead of cheaper models. There are a growing number of private pallet recyclers that rebuild pallets. Check with your current suppliers, Larry Jahn with the NC Cooperative Extension Service (919/ 515-5579), or the NC Office of Waste Reduction for a complete list of pallet recyclers in your area. Some vocational rehabilitation associations such as the Wilkes County Vocational Workshops have trained handicapped individuals to recycle pallets. If you are interested in initiating or promoting a vocational workshop program in your area, or have questions about their operations, contact Tony Jolly with Wilkes County Vocational Workshops, (919/ 838-3812).

Other Outlets For Unsalvageable Pallets:

Industries can also give wood pallets away to facilities that chip pallets for use as fuel, mulch, compost or animal bedding if the pallets are not treated or contaminated with hazardous or toxic residuals. Currently, several county solid waste management facilities have the capability to grind and process pallets to remove nails and fasteners. Other private facilities have similar capabilities. For many industries with a small number of pallets, management can give away clean scrap pallets to employees for firewood. Also during the winter, clean pallets can be given to the public to fuel wood stoves. A small classified ad in the local paper can generate considerable demand.

Do something about those accumulating pallets! Survey your own situation and consider the management strategies mentioned above. Seek creative solutions from employees, and remember to work cooperatively with your local government agencies and other businesses in your area to better manage your pallets. You may find that easy solutions (and savings) are just around the corner.

Corrugated Cardboard Recycling Options

Recycling corrugated cardboard can be economical for business and industry. North Carolina companies are at various stages in establishing cardboard recycling programs. While many have well-established programs, others are evaluating whether to bale their cardboard for better cost control or are just initiating a recycling program. In general, recycling markets for old corrugated cardboard (OCC) are well established and it can be easily targeted in any recycling program. There are also other factors which are driving OCC recycling such as landfill ordinances. This article presents a cardboard recycling case study and lists some rules of thumb for baling your cardboard on-site.

Old corrugated cardboard makes up a significant percentage of waste being landfilled. Studies in Wake County show that cardboard comprised 26% of the commercial/ industrial/ institutional wastestream and 18% of all municipal solid waste entering the county's landfills. As an effort to reduce landfilled waste, several counties have enacted ordinances to ban or place surcharges on waste loads containing corrugated cardboard entering the landfill. More counties are planning similar restrictive ordinances.

Even if your county or city does not have a cardboard ordinance, recycling cardboard is a good way to avoid hauling and disposal costs, to save money, and to do your part in keeping recyclables out of the landfill. When it comes down to managing cardboard, consider the following:

There are many ways to establish a cardboard recycling program. You may collect it loose or baled. You can have it picked up or deliver it to your local recycler. Call a cardboard recycler and work out the best logistics to meet your needs. Consider one such recycling scenario from a typical manufacturing firm that has started a cardboard recycling program:

Determining How Much Recyclable Used Cardboard You Generate:

Many companies are surprised to find out how much cardboard they generate. The chart below gives estimated weights of loose cardboard in different sized containers for 100% full and 50% full conditions. Boxes are assumed to be flattened.

Container size
(yards)
100% full
(pounds)
50% full
(pounds)
40 6,000 3,000
304,5002,250
203,0001,500
81,200600
6 900450

To Bale or Not to Bale:

While many businesses are recycling loose corrugated cardboard, some may wonder if baling their own cardboard would be economically beneficial. The first step in making a determination is to contact your OCC recycler and find out acceptable bale sizes and purchase prices. If you are selling your cardboard at $0.50/ 100 pounds ($10/ ton) in a loose form, you may be able to sell this same cardboard for $20/ton in a baled form. Savings can also be achieved in avoided hauling costs. Following are some rough rules of thumb.

Determining Baler Size:

Determining baler size is application specific and is based on storage space constraints, OCC collection and handling methods and buyer specifications. You may estimate that it takes 40 minutes to load and strap a bale from a vertical baler (300 - 1000 pound bales) assuming that all the OCC is at the baler location. One employee will be needed to load the baler and one or two to strap the bale. Unless your facility is generating very high volumes of OCC (greater than 25 ton/month), a vertical baler should have sufficient capacity.

Baler Cost and Bale Volumes: The following information in the charts below show bale volumes and average list costs of balers.

Determining Those "Other" Costs of Bailing:

Labor costs: It takes about 40 minutes to load and tie a bale. Manpower costs can be determined by this time requirement. How much time does it take to collect, break down boxes and load your dumpster without considering recycling?

Baling wire costs between $.80 to $1.00 per bale depending on bale size.

Vertical Balers
Bale weight (lbs)Bale volume (ft3)Average list price ($)Motor HP
300154,7505
8004757,60010
1000508,90010
1200609,71410
15008420,00015

Electrical usage will vary widely. An estimate for one 750 pound bale was $1.05.

Annual maintenance can be estimated at 1 to 2 percent of the baler's purchased price.

Don't forget about other recyclable materials that can also be baled, such as plastic film wrap, textile scraps, other plastics, etc. (See page 13 for a case study on reducing and reusing packaging materials.)

Take a close look at the cardboard recycling program at your facility. Try using these rules of thumb if you consider baling your own OCC on-site. If you do not have a program, give a local cardboard recycler a call and work out logistics that meet your needs. Don't get caught in the squeeze of high disposal costs without knowing what all your recycling options are.

Horizontal Balers
Bale weight (lbs)Bale volume (yd3)Average list price ($)Motor HP
1,2005225,00025
1,5005730,00030
2,00064040,00040

The Adventures of Company Z: A Simple Example of Recycling Baled Cardboard

Company Z manufactures widgets for sale nationwide. Many of its raw materials come packaged in corrugated cardboard boxes. In fact, cardboard represents half of the company's waste.

Company Z rents a 30 cubic yard rolloff container from a private waste hauler for $50 a month. The hauler takes full loads from the company to the landfill once a week and charges $70 per haul. Company Z is charged a tipping fee of $20 per ton for the waste at the landfill; each of its loads weighs about four tons.

Current waste costs for Company Z:

Total annual waste stream52 weeks x 4 tons/wk.=208
Total annual tipping fees208 tons x $20/ton=$4,160
Total annual container rent12 months x $50/month=$600
Total annual hauling costs52 weeks x $70/haul=$3,640
Total Annual (external) Waste Handling Costs=$8,400
(Total annual costs if tipping fee is $40/ton) =$12,560

After carefully examining its waste stream and its current waste costs, Company Z decides to buy a baler for its cardboard. Company Z works with the local recycling coordinator to help institute its program and to find a market for the cardboard. Company Z realizes that recycling entails some costs, but it sees recycling as a way to avoid even bigger costs in the long run.

Annual "cost" of recycling for Company Z:

Annualized cost of purchase and installation of baler (7500 divided by five years baler should actually last 12 years)$1,500
Cost of baling wire for year for cardboard baler210
Annual cost of electricity and maintenance of baler400
Added personnel operating costs of using baler (Two hours/wk at $8/hr) 830
Avoided hauling fees (# of hauls cut in half)(1,820)
Avoided tipping fees (at $20/ton)(2,080)
Revenue from sale of cardboard ($10/ton)(1,040)
Total Cost (savings) From Recycling($2,000)

In addition, Company Z has saved 200 cubic yards of space in the landfill, thereby helping the county extend the life of its landfill. The recycling of 104 tons of paper has also saved about 1750 trees, saved water, has helped prevent air and water pollution, and has saved 426,000 kwh of energy.

Company Z is so excited by its success that it re-examines its waste stream and discovers other items it may be able to recycle, including office paper, metal bands, film plastic, aluminum cans, and pallets. Company Z once more contacts the local recycling coordinator for assistance in finding markets for these items.

FOCUS: Waste Minimization is a tri-annual publication of the NC Office of Waste Reduction, the NC Division of Solid Waste Management, and the NC Division of Environmental Management. It is intended to provide North Carolina industry and other interested parties with current information concerning proper waste management and waste reduction.

The information contained in the publication is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the application of this information is at the reader's own risk.

Mention of products, service, or associations in the publication does not constitute an endorsement by the state of North Carolina.

The information contained in the publication may be reproduced freely with credit given.

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Reducing That Office Waste

Why should you consider establishing an office waste reduction program for your facility? Many employees are recycling waste at home and want to help conserve resources and save landfill space by also recycling at work. In addition, an office waste recycling program will help your community meet its recycling goals.

Waste reduction can also save operating dollars for your company by reducing paper purchases and waste disposal costs. Revenues from the sale of recyclables may be an added benefit. SAS Institute Inc. is saving $1,500 monthly by reducing and recycling over 32,000 pounds per month of office waste materials. National Westminster Bank earned $5,100 for lowgrade papers recycled by their 1,000 employees during the first nine months of its program.

The design of your office waste recycling program depends on the types of waste paper and other materials generated, the willingness of employees to participate, the size and location of your office, the availability of markets, and the amount of storage space and accessibility of pickup locations.

As much as 70 percent of the waste generated by offices may be computer and white bond papers, which can be easily recycled and have high value. Some of the other paper grades you may consider recycling are colored ledger paper, filestock from discarded files, mixed paper grades, corrugated cardboard, and newspaper. In addition, you may want to recycle aluminum cans, glass, and plastic bottles.

Offices generally arrange for a recycling service to collect and process their recyclables for a fee. However, the sale of the recyclables and avoided disposal costs will help offset any added costs.

Here's a list of steps for setting up a recycling program:

  1. Seek support from top management.
  2. Determine in-house resources needed.
  3. Designate a program coordinator.
  4. Determine the types and amounts of paper and other materials generated by your office that could be recycled.
  5. Locate buyers or collectors of the materials.
  6. Create and set-up a collection and storage process.
  7. Develop an employee education program.
  8. Recruit program monitors.
  9. Publicize results.

While planning your office recycling program, don't forget to devise initiatives for creating less waste, reusing materials and buying recycled products. For example, make sure employees are using reusable coffee cups instead of disposable items. If your company has its own cafeteria or cantina, try to reduce the amount of disposable items used for any food service operations.

Employee participation is a major difference between setting up an office paper recycling program and a process waste recycling program. Whereas recycling process waste typically involves a small number of workers, the participation of the majority of employees is needed for a successful office paper recycling program. Therefore, staff education and promotion will be one of the most critical features of your recycling program. Nationwide studies of office recycling programs show that a convenient, well-publicized program can average 90 percent employee participation rates.

  1. Some tips for encouraging employees to recycle
  2. Donate recycling profits to employee programs or socials, such as an annual Christmas party
  3. Publicize your progress
  4. Reward individual employees or departments for "contaminant-free" recyclables
  5. Provide quick responses to employee questions and problems
  6. Create contests to maintain interest in the program.

Closing the Loop - Buying Recycled Products

If your company is reducing, reusing or recycling solid wastes, you have already made great strides to better manage solid wastes. However, until collected recyclable materials are manufactured into new products, which are then purchased and used, "recycling" has not really occurred. Your company can further promote true recycling by buying products made from recycled materials. By buying products with a recycled content, your company will help increase the demand for recycled materials and help close the loop of the larger recycling picture.

How can your company help? Establish and implement a procurement policy on recycled products and purchasing recycled products.

Meet with your purchasing agent and review the recycled content and recyclability of the following items that you may buy:

Examine your purchasing specifications to eliminate prohibitions or limitations on recycled products. Consider using price preferences (5% - 10%) and life-cycle costing to provide incentives for using recycled products at your company.

Recycled or Recyclable?

Products bearing the "recycled" label are constructed at least in part with recycled materials. Products labeled "recyclable" are made of materials that are technically recyclable. The "recyclable" label does not mean that the product has recycled content. Make sure the recycled-content products can also be recycled after their intended use. Consult your local recyclers to determine which products can be recycled in your area - before you buy.

Post-Consumer or Post-Industrial?

Products with post-consumer content are made from materials recycled after their intended end-use. Post-industrial products are made with scraps of by- product materials generated at the manufacturing process. An example of a product with post-industrial content would be paper products that are made using paper trimming or cutting wastes recycled back into the paper making process. Buy Recycled Business Alliance - National Recycling Coalition.

The National Recycling Coalition (NRC) has initiated the "Buy Recycled Business Alliance." This alliance is a group of national companies, working with the NRC, who have committed to increase their use of recycled-content products. The national campaign goals are to develop and expand markets for recycled materials by increasing awareness of the value, reliability and performance of recycled-content products.

Future activities of the Business Alliance will include training workshops, a "buy recycled" procurement manual, current use assessments, and other educational tools.

A sample of the 1992 Buy Recycled Business Alliance members include:

To join the Buy Recycled Business Alliance or for more information, contact

Phil Bailey, Director of Market Development
National Recycling Coalition at 202/625-6406

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North Carolina's Buy-Recycled Campaign

North Carolina also initiated a state "Buy-Recycled Campaign" in 1992. A key element of the campaign was the first North Carolina Buy-Recycled Conference held in July 1992. The conference brought together nearly 300 individuals, including recycled products vendors and purchasing agents from local governments, state agencies and private companies. The conference was co-sponsored by the NC Departments of Administration, Economic and Community Development, and Environment, Health, and Natural Resources.

The Buy-Recycled Campaign continues in 1993. This spring the NC Office of Waste Reduction and other state agencies, including the Division of Purchasing and Contracts, sponsored a "Buy-Recycled" track at two related conferences. The first was the Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing 37th Annual Spring Conference, held on March 3-5 in Durham. The second was the North Carolina Recycling Association's annual conference on March 22-24 in Research Triangle Park. Events planned later in the year include a series of one-day regional workshops on purchasing recycled products.

Please contact the following resources for more information on purchasing recycled products.

NC Office of Waste Reduction:
919/571-4100

Official Recycled Products Guide (RPG)
American Recycling Markets, Inc.
1-800-267-0707

EPA Procurement Guideline Hotline: 703/941-4452

National Recycling Coalition
Buy Recycled Business Alliance: 202/625-6406

National Office Paper Recycling Project: 202/223-3089

A New Outlet for Cotton Cleaning Waste

Harriet & Henderson Yarns, Inc. manufacturers spun cotton yarn at four plants in Henderson, NC, two plants in Clarkton, NC, and another plant in Summerville, GA. Part of the manufacturing process involves cleaning the raw cotton to remove bits of crushed cotton stalks and seeds, dust, and short cotton fibers. All of this cleaning by-product was formerly baled and sent to the local landfill. The four Henderson plants generate 80 bales of this cleaning by-product per week. Landfilling the material costs approximately $10.00 per bale in Vance County.

Harriet & Henderson Yarns began to seek alternative ways to use or manage the material to avoid landfilling. They began by modifying the cleaning operations so that more of the short fibers could be recovered and sold for use in other textile materials. They currently sell about 5300 pounds per week to textile by-product brokers at 1.5 cents per pound. Once modifications are completed at all plants, they expect to be able to sell 16,000 pounds per week.

They also contacted the Vance County Cooperative Extension Office to determine if the material had any potential uses in agriculture. Extension agents identified three potential uses: as a soil amendment and nutrient source for crops, as a soil stabilizer for erosion control, and as a feed source for livestock. Harriet & Henderson Yarns, Inc. applied for and received a $4000 Challenge Grant from the NC Pollution Prevention Program to evaluate these potential uses, and they matched the grant with $4000 of their own funds. The by-product can feasibly be used as a soil amendment to supplement commercial fertilizer or as a soil stabilizer to replace wheat straw and asphalt, but it must first be milled to permit even distribution for either of these applications.

The most promising of the alternative uses was as a feedstuff for livestock. Cotton by-products such as cottonseed, cottonseed hulls, and cottonseed meal are already widely used as livestock feed ingredients. Feeding studies by animal nutrition specialists at North Carolina State University revealed that the cleaning by-product is comparable to low-quality hay. Hay of this quality has a value of approximately 1.5 cents per pound, but Harriet & Henderson's policy is to provide the by-product to interested livestock producers free of charge. Harriet & Henderson currently distributes an average of twenty 680 pound bales per week, and there is a waiting list of farmers wanting to get this free feed. After further modifications the company expects to be able to supply 50 bales per week.

The success at Harriet & Henderson has been advertised among Cooperative Extension personnel across the state, and other cotton processors have begun to evaluate the potential to use their cleaning by-product for cattle feed. Cotton characteristics vary widely from differences in geography, production practices, and processing practices. Cotton processors who are interested in exploring livestock feeding are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Matt Poore, Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at NCSU Animal Science Department (Tel.: (919) 515-2761, ext. 2762), to obtain guidelines for setting up a feeding program and to have their by-product analyzed to determine its nutrient value and detect any constituents that may be harmful to livestock. (See related article "Cotton Processors Beware" in Fall 92 issue).

For more information on the cotton by-product reuse program at Harriet & Henderson Yarns contact: Richard Johnson at (919) 430-5121
Bud Wortham at (919) 430-5381

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Packaging Waste Reduction - A Look at IBM

By Doug Smith, IBM Advisory Packaging Engineer
Packaging Engineering Dept 324 RTP, NC

IBM's Packaging Engineering Department at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina is aware of and concerned about the complex environmental issues that we face today. Our packaging engineering team is playing a key role in addressing those problems by reducing solid waste, eliminating CFC's from our foam shipping cushions, eliminating bleached liner paper and heavy metal printing inks from our shipping cartons - and we're just getting started. We consider today's environmental issues our Number 1 priority as we move into the 1990's and have already implemented many improvements in the areas of source reduction, recyclability, reusability and consumer awareness and education to name a few. This report will explain IBM's Packaging Engineering Department's contributions and improvements in the environmental arena and hopefully showcase our dedication and accomplishments.

In 1990, the total amount of solid waste recycled at IBM, RTP was 11,605 tons. Packaging material (corrugated, foam and plastics, wood) comprised approximately 50% of that total. The largest contributor was corrugated paper products such as shipping cartons, inserts and folders (over 5,000 tons). 88% of the corrugated materials collected at RTP were recycled or reused. For comparison's sake, in 1989, 65% of all corrugated material in IBM was recycled and about 50% of corrugated used in the U.S. was recycled. The 1992 target established by the Environmental Protection Agency is 25%.

There is much opportunity in the pursuit of these waste reduction initiatives and we must force ourselves to cast away the old paradigms and attach these issues with creativity and innovation.

Our environmental goals in Packaging Engineering Department are as follows:

  1. To incorporate reuse/recycling and/or disposal plans into all existing and new product packaging designs and plans.

  2. To design our product packaging minimizing "disposable" solid waste through more rugged product design requiring less packaging, innovative design techniques and prudent material selection without compromising product protection.

  3. To educate and inform our customers, coworkers and our industry about the need for environmental awareness and policy and help dispel the many myths surrounding the packaging industry, its materials and practices.

  4. To provide our customers with easily obtainable recycling and/or disposal options for their packaging materials.

  5. To use stringent environmental criteria when selecting materials for protective packaging. (i.e., No CFC's, toxins, heavy metals, etc.).

  6. To increase the use of recycled raw material content in the manufacture of new packaging materials.

Packaging Engineering at RTP is committed to a proactive environmental policy based on the three R's hierarchy:

  1. Reduce
  2. Reuse
  3. Recycle
Our initial design energies are concentrated on source reduction, that is, utilizing the minimum amount of material in our package designs. It goes without saying that we will not compromise product protection. We strive to optimize our designs, to eliminate any and all non-value added material to reduce our "disposable materials" input to the solid waste stream. Once our design is optimized we then consider and design for reuse and/or recycling options.

The best opportunity for source reduction lies in a rugged product design. Increased product fragility requirements and earlier and more thorough mechanical analysis are the best levers we have to reduce product protection needs. This would result in decreased package size, less material content, and lower transportation expense, as well as higher product quality and reduced warranty costs. We are working closely with our development teams to get involved earlier and establish stringent fragility criteria for new products and subassemblies. Other opportunities lie in prudent material selection and innovative package design.

We are also investigating existing package designs and looking for material reduction opportunities. The following source reduction/design modification improvements were implemented in 1991:

In September of 1992 IBM's RTP Packaging Consulting Services began offering its package design, testing and experience to outside (non-IBM) customers. For more information about how IBM can help you with your packaging problems call 1-919-543-6625.

The biggest environmental asset we have is an informed and concerned consumer. It is the consumer, the end user, that needs to take the initiative and save, reuse, recycle or properly dispose of their new product package. The Packaging Department was again instrumental in promoting the use of recycling symbols and resin codes on IBM packaging materials to help inform citizens of recycling options.

One of the five major IBM corporate packaging environmental initiatives was the total elimination of CFC's or chlorofluorocarbons from our foam shipping cushions and from the processes used to manufacture the cushions. Typically used as expansion or blowing agents in the foam molding process, CFC's are commonly believed to attack and deplete the earth's protective ozone layer.

In addition we have added strict CFC-free requirements on all foam cushion specifications and drawings.

We have also totally eliminated and now prohibit the use of heavy metals in our printing inks (carton graphics) or plastic packaging manufacture. The heavy metals, if used, are reputed to release toxins into the environment during manufacture and/or disposal operations.

There still remains much to be done. These environmental issues and objectives will continue to be our highest priority. There is much opportunity in the pursuit of these waste reduction initiatives and we must force ourselves to cast away the old paradigms and attack these issues with creativity and innovation. Join us in helping to clean up our environment. We welcome any and all suggestions, comments or ideas on how we can better our packaging products and services. The companies that will survive through the 90's will be the ones who accept and tackle these environmental challenges.

For more information contact:

Doug Smith, IBM
Phone (919) 543-8065

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"Waste Not"

By Boston Gear Division
Louisburg, NC

The Boston Gear Team, a Division of Imo Industries, Inc. located in Louisburg, NC, thinks of its waste as a gain, not a loss. Every effort is made to minimize the amount of waste going into the waste streams. Recycling is our main thrust, and the gain (in dollars) comes from recyclable materials, e.g., cast iron chips, steel shavings, bronze and aluminum chips coming from our machining processes and the same in solids coming from scrap or defective component parts. All cardboard and recyclable paper is collected, baled and sold. We also recycle our wooden pallets. The other area where real savings is realized is the reduction in cost of hauling and landfill fees. In 1991, we reduced the tonnage that used to be sent to the landfill by 50 percent.

Another part of our program is to make absolutely sure that waste which cannot be sent into the waste streams, such as waste oils, machining coolants, grinding swarf, paint filters, etc., are all collected, recycled or disposed of through various waste management companies. The cost of disposal for these has forced us to filter and recycle some of our hydraulic oils and filter and reuse machining coolants. Perhaps the greatest savings is knowing that down the road we would be paying for our negligence and mistakes made today.

The management of our program is basic - a conscientious effort made by each member of the Boston Gear Team to recycle where possible and to dispose of our waste properly. Putting aside the value (in dollars) of our program, the real savings and gratification comes from knowing that we are doing our best to ensure a clean and safe environment for our community, neighbors and our children.

Boston Gear's Approximate Savings Savings $
1. Recycled metals (275 gross tons)80k/yr 
2. Recycled cardboard (32.4 gross tons)6k/yr 
3. Reduction of hauling and landfill fees23k/yr 
4. Recycled paper1k/yr 
5. Filtering and reclaiming of hydraulic oils and cutting fluids5k/yr 
6. Recycling and reuse of pallets5k/yr$100,000

Editor's Note: Franklin County presented Boston Gear with a "Wastebuster" award for its waste reduction efforts.

North Carolina's Tax Credit Program for Recycling and Resource Recovery

North Carolinians are fortunate to have special tax credits for recycling and resource recovery operations. These tax credits can help off-set capital investment costs and can help encourage upper management to endorse programs more willingly. If a business purchases or constructs facilities or equipment used exclusively for recycling or resource recovery, it may be entitled to special treatment for the following types of tax:

The special tax treatment is also available to businesses which have a special area or equipment devoted to recycling or recovering waste. For example, a store located in Raleigh which uses a cardboard compactor for collecting corrugated could qualify. If $10,000 in capital investment and floor space was devoted to baling corrugated cardboard, an expected first year tax savings in Wake County would be $127 where the combined property tax rate (for both city and county property tax) is $1.2777/$100. The Solid Waste Section is responsible for certifying operations for this special treatment. For more information about special tax treatment for recycling and resource recovery, contact:

NC Solid Waste Section's Eastern Area Supervisor,Terry Dover at 919/486-1191 or the Western Area Supervisor, Julian Foscue,at 919/876-7007 or Your county tax assessor's office.

; Source: Triangle J Council of Governments

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The Southeast Waste Exchange: Markets, Recycling, Education

The Southeast Waste Exchange (SEWE) is a non-profit, non-regulatory environmental outreach program, sponsored by the Urban Institute at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The primary area of operation for SEWE is the southeastern United States.

Established in 1978, SEWE provides information, markets, research, and education to businesses and industries who are striving to develop safe and economical waste management plans and recycling programs. Funding for this on-going program comes from subscription/listing fees, contracts and grants, and industry contributions. The main focus of the program is on conserving energy, valuable resources, and landfill space by actively working to find markets for industrial by-products and surplus materials. The extensive network developed by SEWE over the past 15 years has enabled the program to be very successful in finding markets for materials - saving businesses and industries thousands of dollars in disposal and raw material costs.

Exchanging waste is a simple process. Generators list materials they have available and want to transfer, and potential users place listings for by- products and surplus materials they can use as a raw material. The catalog listing includes a waste code number, a brief description of the material, the quantity, availability, and general geographic location. Listings can be made confidential or non-confidential. SEWE staff match up generators with users; however, SEWE does not get involved in negotiations.

SEWE has initiated successful transfers of the following types of materials: Acids, Alkalis, Inorganic Chemicals, Solvents, Organic Chemicals, Oils & Waxes, Plastics and Rubber, Wood & Paper, and Metals. Other materials fall in the miscellaneous category.

Some Examples of Successful Exchanges Are:

Other services provided by the SEWE include an on-line Bulletin Board Service that can be accessed internationally, and designing and coordinating workshops on regulations, materials recycling and reuse, and industry specific issues.

Additionally, industrial and community participation in the SEWE can assist in the recycling and reuse of solid waste mandated by law in many states. The SEWE is organized to promote USEPA's waste management hierarchy providing source reduction, recycling and reuse assistance.

For more information contact:

Maxie May, Director
(704) 547-4289.

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The North Carolina Recycling Association: A Thriving Network of Recyclers

The North Carolina Recycling Association was founded in January 1988 to promote waste reduction and recycling, and to provide a forum for interaction between recyclers from government, business, industry, environmental groups, institutions, and private citizens. The NCRA has grown rapidly to a current membership of more than 400 recyclers. Among the specific services provided by the NCRA are a quarterly newsletter (the R-Word), an annual conference, numerous workshops, and an active committee structure which addresses the many issues facing the recycling community.

The NCRA held its 1993 Annual Conference on March 22-24 at the Sheraton Imperial in Research Triangle Park. It featured a special track of sessions focusing on business and industrial recycling, as well as numerous other topics. In addition, the NCRA is planning a set of business workshops for April or May, 1993, at different locations around the state.

For more information about the NCRA, or attending its conferences and workshops, call the NCRA office at (919) 851-8444.

Mark Your Calendar

Event TitleSponsorDate LocationContact
Management and Minimization of Hazardous Waste under RCRANCSUApril 14-16
May 26-28
Raleigh, NC
Wrightsville Beach, NC
(919) 515-3002
Southern State Annual Environmental ConferenceMISSTAPOctober 26-28Biloxi, MX(601) 325-8067
Connections for; National Pollution PreventionRoundtable of Pollution Prevention ProgramsApril 28-30San Diego, CA.(217) 333-8569

Request for Proposals for NICE3 Grants

The US Division of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency are awarding $2.5 million in grants to industries through the NICE3 program (National Industrial Competitiveness through efficiency: Energy, Environment, and Economics).

The goal the NICE3 program is to promote projects which simultaneously address process modifications for energy efficiency, pollution prevention and industrial competitiveness. The program also hopes to integrate the activities of institutions responsible for energy, the environment, and competitiveness at the federal, regional, and state level.

Eligible industries for the grant include the following: Paper and Allied Products, (SIC 22), Chemicals and Allied Products, (SIC 28), Petroleum and Coal products (SIS 29), Primary Metals (SIS 33), and other industries where outstanding opportunities can be demonstrated. The grant requires that 50% of the project's costs must come from the industry and/or state. The deadline for proposals is April 30, 1993.

For more information on the grant and project proposals contact:

NC Office of Waste Reduction at (919) 571-4100
NC Division of Energy at (919) 733-2230
Ernie Rios, US Division of Energy at (510) 273-4202

Comments?

If you have any comments, waste reduction case summaries, resource information or questions for the next issue of FOCUS, please contact:

NC Office of Waste Reduction
P.O. Box 27678
Raleigh, NC 27611-7687
Phone: 919 571-4100

NC Office of Waste Reduction: Mission Statement

The Office of Waste Reduction is the lead agency for carrying out the state's program of pollution prevention. The goal of the program is to promote the elimination, reduction or recycling of waste prior to treatment or disposal. This effort addresses air and water quality, solid and hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals. The goals are accomplished by providing non-regulatory technical assistance, training, policy support, and fiscal support to industries, local governments, and state agencies. The Office has two programs, the Pollution Prevention Program which addresses multimedia industrial waste, and the Solid Waste Reduction Program which addresses the reduction and recycling of municipal solid waste.

For more information or technical assistance call: (919) 571-4100

State of North Carolina
James B. Hunt, Governor

DEHNR
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary

Office of Waste Reduction
Gary E. Hunt, Director

Pollution Prevention Program
Stephanie Richardson, Manager
Terry Albrecht, Editor

A Special Thanks to the Solid Waste Reduction Program, the Division of Solid Waste Management and the entire OWR and WRRC staff.

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Last Updated: November 21, 1995