Abstract

Some companies have realized the benefits associated with an effective recycling program. Xerox Corporation is one of those companies. Effective recycling can bring revenue to a company, while reducing costs associated with waste disposal. Additionally, they may be seen as good corporate citizens to their stakeholders, which can be used as an important marketing tool for the sales force.

This project examined the effective management of a recycling program at a large facility. Xerox Corporation's facilities located in Monroe County, New York have had recycling programs in place for over a decade. Because the program was mature and continued to function, Xerox Environment, Health and Safety began to focus on other programs such as spill reduction and compliance with environmental regulations.

The project reviewed the current recycling programs and practices at Xerox Corporation's largest facilities in Monroe County. It compared the recycling rate of these facilities to other Xerox sites and external companies.

This project found that Xerox Corporation's Monroe County facilities have very effective recycling programs. The facilities are complex, which makes it more difficult to maximize their recycling performances. However, the facilities can improve the recycle rate by making the staff more aware and accountable for the recycling processes. Some areas within Monroe County do not track the materials that are reused internally. Additionally, opportunities should be explored to divert some packaging wastes from the landfill to a recycling outlet.

This project also showed that a team approach is needed to ensure the changes are implemented and communicated effectively.

In summary, achieving the highest reuse and recycling rate that is economically feasible and responsible for the facility to maintain its competitiveness characterize effective management of a recycling program.

Key Words: benchmarking, commingled; compactor; construction & demolition wastes; contaminant; corrugated; disposal; electronics scrap; energy recovery; fiber; International Organization for Standardization; ISO 14001; landfill; leasehold; mixed paper; OCC; packaging; pallet; recyclable; recycle; recycle stream; reuse/recycle rate; remanufacturing; reuse; solid waste; waste container audit; waste stream.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Xerox Corporation--Management; Recycling (Waste, etc.)--Management--New York (State)--Monroe County--Case studies; Recycling (Waste, etc.)--Cost effectiveness--New York (State)--Monroe County--Case studies; Manufacturing industries--Environmental aspects--New York (State)--Monroe County--Case studies

Publication Date

8-17-2005

Document Type

Master's Project

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Environmental, Health and Safety Management (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Civil Engineering Technology Environmental Management and Safety (CAST)

Advisor

Joseph M. Rosenbeck

Comments

"I, Michael Nersinger prefer to be contacted each time a request for reproduction of my graduate project is made."

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TD794.5 .N47 2005

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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