hhw reuse program andrew judkins megan hutton nahmma conference 2010
TRANSCRIPT
HHW Reuse Program
Andrew Judkins Megan HuttonNAHMMA 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 shouldSolution: Liability Waiver
• Disposal costs if there were no reuse programSolution: 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 earth Silica gel Boric acid
Insecticidal soaps Fish oil spray Bacillus thurengiensis
Oil sprays(dormant oil/horticultural oils/neem oil)
Anything with Safer or Ringer brand name (no pyrethrins)
Fertilizers
Preparation Guidelines
•Pallets
•Skids
•Shelves
