Recycling and Standardization

VA Q/Direct Recycling OpportunitiesJune, 2010

2008-2009 Recycling Statistics

• 2009 VA Recycling Rate: 56.7%

• 321 tons landfilled

• 420 tons recycled

• 2009 Corporate Average: 98.7%

-------------------------------------• 2008 VA Recycling Rate: 82.4%

• 151.2 tons landfilled

• 708.29 tons recycled

• 2008 Corporate Average: 98.6%

2009 VA Recycling Totals: 420.85 Tons

419.90 Tons – Paper

0.95 Tons – Electronics (computers, monitors, misc.)

*Note

- Additional items were recycled from the facility, but were not tracked and therefore are not included in the numbers and statistics above.

- Although additional items were recycled there is a good opportunity to further expand the number of programs available to collect more waste streams for recycling.

Recycling Standardization Effort

• Standardization • Duplication

• Communication

• Training

• Convenience

• Visibility - Instant Recognition

Possible Program Opportunities

• Additional paper collection and sortation

• Comingles (plastic food/beverage containers #1 and #2, aluminum cans, glass bottles)

• Batteries

• Aerosol cans

• Sample cans

• Cardboard

• Ink kits

• Other

Color Standardization Key (Production)

Color standardization used for collection of small volumes of recyclables, at the point of generation

• Green – Co-mingle (cans, bottles, glass)

• Blue – Films (stretch, polywrap, shrink wrap)

• Yellow – White and clear strap

• Red – Paper

• Gray - TrashLarge volume collection containers for recyclables are not color

standardized due to the wide variety of recyclables collected. These containers should be clearly identified.

What are Co-mingled Recyclables?• Aluminum cans

• #1 and #2 plastic containers

• Glass containers

• Steel cans

How to Identify Plastics•Resin Identification code on bottom or side of most plastic containers

•Numbers 1 through 7

•#1 and #2 are most commonly recycled

•#1 = PETE (green strap, soda bottles)

•#2 = HDPE (ink jet containers)

•#3 = PVC (piping)

•#4 = LDPE (stretch and poly wrap)

•#5 = PP (white and clear strap)

•#6 = PS (Styrofoam)

•#7 = Other (mixed grades)

Office Recycling Standardization

• Office occupant• Large bin – paper

• Small bin – trash

• Oversized – occupant responsibility to take to centralized collection

• Other recyclables – occupant responsibility to take to centralized collection

Office Recycling (central banks)

• Centralized Collection

• Administrative and common areas

Types of Paper Included in Office Program

• Magazines, catalogs, newspapers and direct mail

• Smaller pieces of cardboard, manila folders and post-its

• Copier and other paper

• Envelopes (paper based)

• Any misc. paper

Additional Recycling Opportunities: Outdoor Collection

• Main entrances

• Pavilions/Patios

• Sporting venues

• Temporary collection for special events• Employee Appreciation cookouts

• Picnics

BonusSay good-bye to

“Old Yeller”

Keys to Recycling Program Success

• Place recycling containers in convenient locations (especially at/near point of use)

• Clearly label all containers and educate all employees on their use

• Educate all as to the importance of recycling programs, along with the cost of trashing vs. the economic, social and environmental value of recycling

• Minimize the size of containers used to collect trash in all areas where feasible

• Support from top management and down

• Communicate, communicate, communicate

• Sort recyclables by type and keep contaminates out

• Keep recyclables out of the trash