Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention in Solid Waste and Construction and Maintenance “Putting Waste in its Place” Steve Brachman UW- Extension Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center

Starting a waste reduction program Get commitment from management Find a “champion” Form a team Set waste reduction goals Conduct a waste assessment Implement based on adequate funding Communicate results

City of Milwaukee case study Problem: antiquated “clean” fill Solutions: –Restrict fill usage –Encourage C & D recycling –Closed fill with ongoing monitoring

Solid Waste Management Operational Wastes

Solid Waste Management P2 Strategies Collection –Establish motor oil take back program. –Use in-line oil filters. –Recycle on site spent antifreeze. –Convert parts washer to aqueous-based systems. –Convert fleet to natural gas as feasible. –Maximize collection efficiency.

Solid Waste Management P2 Strategies Processing –Establish a preventative maintenance program. –Capture and recycle spilled hydraulic oil –Minimize recycling residues. –Maximize acceptability of compost products $minimize heavy metal content $pretreatment for industrial contributors $increased frequency of street sweepings.

Solid Waste Management P2 Strategies Disposal –Minimize landfill site runoff. –Capture and reuse methane gas. –Minimize hazardous nature of incinerator ash implement battery recycling household hazardous waste collection programs.

Solid Waste Management P2 Strategies Other –Educate HHW participants and staff –Take back program for mercury switches or PCB transformers. –Replace underground storage tanks. –Minimize pesticide usage through litter prevention and site management programs.

Construction & Maintenance Typical Wastes

Key P2 Opportunities 4Adopt green building policy 4First in, first out materials management 4Segregate waste streams 4Control access to storage areas & inspect containers 4Recycle used cleaning, lubricating or cooling fluids

4Use water based paints 4Avoid unnecessary removal of vegetative matter 4Consider deconstruction and reuse of existing building prior to demolition 4High efficiency lighting and electronic ballasts for roads and tunnels P2 Opportunities (cont.)