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

Collection Processing Disposal used motor oil and filters, antifreeze, parts washer solvent, used hydraulic oil, tires, used vehicles and vehicle parts, and air emissions

dust from compost sites, hydraulic oil, site runoff, recycling residues, electrical transformers, and spilled fuels

leachate and air emissions

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 StrategiesProcessing

– 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 & MaintenanceTypical Wastes

Pre-construction

Construction Maintenance& Repair

Demolitionwastes: asbestos,mercury, PCB,lead paint, dust.Storm water runoff

Erosion &sedimentationPaints, thinners,grease, sealers,glues, cleaners,rags, scraplumber, insulation,gypsum, roofing

Lead based paint,asbestos, cleaningfluids, used oil,cooling systemfluids

Key P2 Opportunities

Adopt green building policy First in, first out materials management Segregate waste streams Control access to storage areas &

inspect containers Recycle used cleaning, lubricating or

cooling fluids

Use water based paints Avoid unnecessary removal of

vegetative matter Consider deconstruction and reuse of

existing building prior to demolition High efficiency lighting and electronic

ballasts for roads and tunnels

P2 Opportunities (cont.)