HHW Reuse Program Andrew Judkins Megan Hutton NAHMMA Conference 2010

Metro Metro is a regional government in the Portland, Oregon area. Metro’s HHW program serves 60,000 customers annually. About 5 million pounds of HazWaste is collected annually.

HHW Breakdown Latex paint is 45% of what we take in, and 55% of that is recycled into MetroPaint. About 5% of the non-latex waste we collect is diverted to our reuse program (~136,000 pounds). Disposal cost savings is $0.87 per pound.

Reuse Program Benefits Environmental Impact – Reduced need for new resources – Reduction in material disposed Community Impact – Useful products given to non-profit organizations and low-income households Program Impact – Reduced disposal costs

Types of Reuse Paint (oil-based) and other building materials Fertilizers and other lawn chemicals Automotive products Cleaning products Propane cylinders Art supplies Vegetable oil

Organizations Habitat for Humanity Golden Harvesters Gleaners Schools Individuals from the community Artist’s groups, theaters, etc. Shelters – homeless and others

Dignity Village Propane for heating and cooking

Concerns Product may be contaminated or mislabeled, may cause harm Product may not perform as it should Solution: Liability Waiver Disposal costs if there were no reuse program Solution: Reuse Program!

Addressing Concerns Limit what is given out – Types of products – Condition of container – Verification of contents Limit distribution – Open to the public vs. selected recipients – Product appropriateness for recipient

Limitation Guidelines No products intended for use on the human body, unless the container is sealed with original manufacturer’s seal No product that is intended to be eaten or taken internally No product that is deemed to be too hazardous for reuse – depending on the experience and skill of the recipient.

Container Guidelines All items must be in their original containers Original labels must be intact and legible Container must be in sound condition Half full or more

Contents Guidelines Visual examination pH or water solubility tests Results must match what is expected for the product

Pesticide Guidelines Only those that are allowed on organic crops: Diatomaceous earthSilica gelBoric acid Insecticidal soapsFish oil sprayBacillus thurengiensis Oil sprays (dormant oil/horticultural oils/neem oil) Anything with Safer or Ringer brand name (no pyrethrins) Fertilizers

Preparation Guidelines Pallets Skids Shelves

Megan Hutton Andrew Judkins