The Office of Waste Reduction Services: A Source of Assistance for Businesses

A non-regulatory initiative of state government, Michigan's Office of Waste Reduction Services (OWRS) helps businesses locate and take advantage of opportunities to reduce the amount of solid wastes, hazardous wastes, and air and water emissions that they generate.

Upon request, staff of the OWRS can:

• Provide waste reduction "check-lists" and other practical publications to help firms get started in looking into waste reduction
  
• Provide information on common waste reduction techniques
  
• Offer advice on how to start a waste reduction program within a plant
  
• Help plant or office personnel identify ways to reduce waste.

Additional Office Activities

In addition to the technical assistance services described above, the Office of Waste Reduction Services:

• Analyzes waste reduction potentials and techniques in various industry sectors
  
• Sponsors workshops and other educational seminars
  
• Administers an intern program, through which specially trained university students assist companies with waste reduction and recycling projects
  
• Investigates regulatory barriers to waste reduction
  
• Works with members of Michigan industry to identify waste reduction research needs and assist in initiation of necessary research projects.

Waste Reduction Offers Many Benefits

• Reducing waste generation is a realistic goal - with many benefits - for firms of all sizes. By producing less waste, firms save money, reduce potential liabilities and improve their public image.

• Waste reduction opportunities exist in firms of all sizes. Identifying the opportunities, and then taking advantage of them, is the challenge.