Corporate Waste Minimization Policies, Implementation and Effectiveness, 1993 Environmental Conference Proceedings

This paper identifies the reasons International Paper established a Corporate Solid Waste Reduction program, how the program was justified and implemented, and provides an overall review of effectiveness on an annual basis.

In 1989 International Paper identified the solid waste handling and disposal as a major source of environmental expense that also encompassed sensitive issues that involved quasi-environmentalists and regulatory agencies. Trends in the handling and disposal of solid wastes left little encouragement for what will occur by the year 2000. In addition, a northern mill experienced a rapidly filling landfill end could not obtain a permit to construct a new landfill. Existing conditions and future expectations forced a re-evaluation of past solids disposal procedures.

A Corporate Task Team, composed of mill personnel and corporate staff, was formed to develop a method to deal with the issue. The task team goal was to substantially reduce corporate dependence on landfill for disposal of mill by-products. Objectives included establishing the true cost of solid waste and obtaining a 50% reduction in landfill space requirements by 1994. To accomplish a task of this magnitude, a priority commitment by all levels of management was needed. The presentation will address how a strong management commitment was obtained and how the urgency and importance of the program was distributed throughout the mill system. Coordination of effort and transfer of information was instrumental in providing adequate support and endorsement.

Individual mills set up task teams and training was provided to develop innovative concepts to reduce the generation of wastes, to increase recycling within the facilities and to develop beneficial uses for by-products. A monitoring and reporting procedure was developed to trace the accomplishments of the program from the 1988 base.

International Paper identified an area of environmental concern, developed a specific program to address the issues and has taken substantial steps to achieve a self imposed goal.