Waste Reduction An Easy Way to Minimize Operating Costs and Environmental Impact

It’s Just Good Business! Helps to reduce raw material costs Helps to increase profits Protects the environment Shows the community that your company is a good environmental steward

NC DEAO NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach is a non- regulatory division of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DEAO is comprised of two sections: The Community & Business Assistance Section and the Environmental Assistance Center.

CBAS DEAO’s Community & Business Assistance Section provides technical assistance and grant funding to promote recycling and waste reduction in the local government sector and fosters job creation and economic growth in the recycling business community.

Environmental Assistance Center EAC was created in 2011 to help DENR regulated entities find answers to their permitting and compliance questions. The EAC offers free and confidential environmental sustainability assistance, including water and energy efficiency, recycling and composting. It also provides education opportunities to help promote the prevention of waste and pollution prevention.

What is EMS? (ISO 14001)

ESI The Environmental Stewardship Initiative assists industries, businesses, institutions and government agencies in reducing environmental impacts and recognizes those that maintain a strong commitment to sustainability. Free Training, technical assistance and networking are available to members.

ESI Partner Level The Partner level is designed for adoption by a broad range of organizations that are interested in beginning the process of developing a systematic approach to improving their environmental performance. Partners must demonstrate a commitment to maintain compliance, commit to establishing an environmental management system and set environmental performance goals.

ESI Rising Steward Level The Rising Steward level is designed for those organizations that have a mature EMS. Rising Environmental Stewards must demonstrate a mature EMS, set measurable environmental performance goals and demonstrate a commitment to go beyond compliance.

ESI Steward The Steward level is for those organizations that already display a commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by law. Environmental Stewards must demonstrate: a mature EMS; aggressive environmental performance goals; a commitment to meet and go beyond compliance; an EMS that is integrated into the core business functions; and a process of communicating with the local community about program activities and progress toward performance goals.

NC GreenTravel Initiative NC GreenTravel Initiative recognizes travel oriented businesses for their environmental stewardship. Hotels, restaurants, museums, attractions and other travel-oriented businesses are awarded recognition on a three-tiered system based on their level of commitment to protecting the environment.

Recognized NC GreenTravel businesses are self-certified by filling in a score sheet that awards points for energy management, water conservation and waste reduction/recycling.

Recognized NC GreenTravel Businesses Businesses recognized by the NC GreenTravel Initiative receive a certificate signed by the Secretary of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and a door decal denoting them as a recipient of the NC GreenTravel Recognition Award. They also receive free listings on the NC GreenTravel website.

Waste Reduction Partners

is a working partnership with: Land-of-Sky Regional Council Triangle J Council of Governments NC DENR Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach

Waste Reduction Partners At-A-Glance Waste Reduction Partners conducts on-site assessments and provides consulting services to businesses and public institutions throughout North Carolina. WRP hosts a statewide team of 65 retired engineers and scientists with more than 2,300 years of experience. They provide waste, water and energy reduction assessments and technical assistance to clients at no or reduced cost. The program focuses on pollution prevention, operating efficiency improvements and cost effectiveness. ClientsServices Businesses Non-Profits Manufacturing Schools Agriculture Local Governments Energy Efficiency Waste Reduction Water Efficiency Pollution Prevention Technical Assistance

WRP Client Profile Each $1 of program funding yields $3.52 in estimated savings 74% Implementation Rate for 2011

WRP Volunteers WRP Land-of-Sky Regional Council WRP Triangle J Council of Governments WRP utilizes retired and volunteer engineers and scientists. Asheville, North Carolina Research Triangle Park, North Carolina Engaging the “Baby Boomer” community resource – 2 million in 2025 in North Carolina Staff is highly respected by clients, “Speak the Business Language.” Over 2300 years of cumulative experience Staffing able to “stay with” clients through project implementation Provide a legacy of sustainable practices

WRP 2011 Accomplishments $1.83 Million Total Client Savings $1.18 Million Annually Client Energy Savings 5.7 MGY Water Usage Reduction 10,080 Tons Solid Waste Reduction $10.3 Million- Value of Energy Projects Assisted 74%- Energy Project Implementation Rate 65,800 MMbtu- Client Energy Reduction 292 Sites- Visited in 56 Counties Recipient of the NC Sustainable Energy Association – Community Leadership Award for 2011

WRP Millennium Stats Since 2000 $40.7 Million Total Client Savings 276,560 Megawatt Hours Electricity Reduction 608 MGY Water Conservation Measures 204,500 Tons Solid Waste Diverted from Landfills 182,150 Hours- Technical Assistance 65- Assessors Statewide 943,650 MMbtu- Client Energy Reduction 1630 Sites- Visited Statewide 149 Million Metric Tons- CO 2 Emissions Prevented

WRP Services for 2012 – Solid Waste and P2 Solid Waste and Recycling In partnership with NCDENR Div. of Environmental Assistance and Outreach, the WRP solid waste team helps businesses and organizations Improve recycling programs, identify markets for waste streams, develop pollution prevention strategies, and save money on waste disposal. Greening the Hospitality Sector Businesses in the hospitality or tourism sector can take advantage of a suite of assessments to improve energy, water, solid waste, and recycling practices. Sponsored by the US EPA. NC Green Travel WRP assessors provide guidance and technical assistance to tourism related businesses seeking recognition under the NC DENR “NC Green Travel Program”.

Waste Reduction Assistance WRP Methodology Every situation is different and interesting Address the client’s stated need Stay focused on the issues Seek markets for by-products Help the client achieve the goals set

On-Site Assessment Offices/recordkeeping Purchasing Shipping and Receiving Storage, Warehousing, Inventory Service Department Production Areas Maintenance and Engineering Housekeeping Break Rooms and Cafeteria Restrooms Dumpsters and Disposal Areas

On-site assessments - Can offer advice on multiple issues

Case Study 1 – Industry Request to improve their recycling program 1.Increase the signs for recycling 2.Improve signage around photocopier with logo such as “cover your backside” 3.Increase use of electronic documents 4.Update computers to store more electronic documents 5.Update computers where possible to increase their useful life 6.Instigate policy to replace computers with energy efficient models 7.Consider using shredded paper as packaging material in combination with Styrofoam peanuts 8.Use electronic payment slips to place reminders to recycle 9.Meet with other Green teams in the nearby community to establish community recycling when there are insufficient quantities from one site to bale to send to recycler 10.Establish a Styrofoam collection site for the area 11.Separate money obtained from can recycling and use it to reward recyclers in the form of cakes 12.Send 4 mm cardboard cores to Sonoco 13.Collect water from roofs to use in the Community Garden

Case Study 1 - Analysis Waste Type% Dumpster Cu Yds Weight of 1 cu yd (pounds) Total Weight (Pounds) Whole polystyrene Styrofoam kernels Cardboard Cores LDPE plastic film (semi-compacted) Total10040~2864

Case Study 1 - Recommendation Waste TypeReduction Measure Reduction Potential (Pounds/year) Savings ($/year) Payback period DumpstersEliminate 1 dumpster/yr ~2864~602Immediate

Case Study 2 - Hospital Revitalizing a recycling program Client’s request Client said “We have a recycling program but it is not working” Wanted a document to take to higher Management to obtain funding for a recycling program WRP recommendations 1.Label recycling containers 2.Increase the number of recycling containers 3.Use different colored bags for recycling 4.Form a Green Team 5.Appoint a Green Coordinator 6.Increase awareness through logo, TV monitors 7.Have a competition for a recycling logo 8.Use compostable dinnerware and cutlery in Staff and visitor cafeteria 9.Get Management on board by presenting the cost savings to recycle 10.Increase the purchase of green alternatives

Case Study 2 - Recommendations 6 months later Waste TypeReduction Measure Reduction Potential (tons/yr) Savings ($/yr)Payback period RecyclablesRemove recyclables from landfill waste stream 132$7,802Immediate Food WasteCompost168$9,912Immediate Blue wrap plastic Find a recycling source TBD Total300$17,714 Provided them with a document outlining how to set up and operate their recycling program Identified potential savings

Case Study 2 –Follow up 9 months later Green Team Formed Promotions group in action Management approved funding for 90 x 23 gallon, recycling containers Green bags for recycling Replacing equipment with more energy efficient models Found a recycling market for the blue wrap plastic Have not yet tackled their food waste

Case Study 3 - Hospitality Request to start a recycling program 1.Remove non-existent 30 yard roll off from billing. Savings of $780/year. 2.Place recycling containers in public areas. 3.Establish a guest room recycling program. 4.Minimize waste generated. 5.Dedicate one of the three 8 cubic yard dumpsters to mixed recyclables. An estimated 25% of the solid waste generated can be captured in a recycling program. 6.Establish a guest and staff awareness program 7.Address recycling cardboard and other materials. 8.Expand the recycling program to include neighboring businesses WRP Recommendations

Case Study 3 - Recommendations ActionAnnual SavingsCostPayback Remove 30 yd roll off$780NoneImmediate Capture 25% of waste as recyclables $2124$66503 Years Total$2904$ Years

Case Study 4 – Industry Request to reduce waste trimmings sent to landfill Waste Type Diverted from landfill (tons/yr) Savings ($/yr)Payback period Mattress trimmings 1124,928Immediate Helmet Pad Trimmings Immediate Boot liner trimmings 502,200Immediate Cotton T-shirt trimmings 6264Immediate Poly T-shirt trimmings 18792Immediate Total 2119,284 9 month follow up - Diverted 297 tons from landfill - Saved $15,894 Identified potential savings

Case Study 5 – Hospitality Reduce the food waste in dumpsters Reduce the amount of meat coming in. Reduce the amount of meat that is being spoiled. Vermicomposting of fruit and vegetables using red worms. Investigate Foundations to obtain better equipment to turn the composting fruit and vegetables. Apply for a permit for the composting of meat using a layered system with the help of Brian Rosa (DEAO). Attend composting workshops.

Case Study 5 - Recommendations Waste TypeReduction Measure Reduction Potential (tons/yr) Savings ($/year) Payback period Fruit & meat Eliminate 8 Cu Yd dumpster rental $324Immediate Fruit & meat Eliminate pickup charge $1860 Immediate Fruit & meat Eliminate energy surcharge $255Immediate Total222 tons$2439Immediate Identified potential savings

Resources for Food Waste RBAC Directory of Markets for Recyclable Materials: Brooks ContractorsChathamGoldstonNC Earth Farms LLC/ Stanley Environmental Solution Gaston StanleyNC Full Circle Recycle LLCJohnstonZebulon NC Gallins Family FarmForsyth Winston SalemNC

Marketing Assistance Request help to recycle one waste product Case Study Client generates 1 pallet of this waste/month 65 pallets of waste stored in warehouse Sends sample and MSDS to WRP WRP finds a broker to take the waste Result 65 pallets of the waste were picked up by broker Broker paid client $70/ton 65 tons diverted from landfill Future 1 ton/month will be diverted from landfill

WRP Services – Initiate a Project On the WRP website: Click on initiate a project and complete a brief application WRP: or Call: (TJCOG) or (LOSRC)

WRP Current Funding Partners NC Department of Environmental Assistance and Outreach / NC DENR State Energy Office / NCDOC USDA Rural Utility Service US EPA Cherokee Preservation Foundation City of Asheville – Water Resources Progress Energy Carolinas Town of Boone Private Contributions

Selecting Specific Markets

Environmental Policy Commitment to protecting the environment Commitment to observing all environmental rules and regulations Commitment to make continuous improvement to your environmental program. Should be signed and dated by upper level management and prominently displayed.

Networking Tools P2Assist Listserv NC GreenTravel Listserv NC GreenGov Listserv JTR Listserv Carolina Recycling Association Membership Triangle Green Business Challenge

Material Marketing Tools NC WasteTrader website – NC BiomassTrader website – NC Recycling Markets Directory –

Tom Rhodes - ( ) Ernie Swanson - ( ) Bev Fermor - ( ) Presenters – Contact Details