Denver Plant Makes Great Progress toward Zero Landfill
PepsiCo's 2012 goal for a twenty-five percent landfill reduction will be achieved through new waste handling procedures and simple changes around the plant, but the real measure of success will depend on the active participation in the waste reduction program by plant personnel. "We're lucky that we've got an employee base that has asked a lot of questions to help drive some of this change. And I think without them it would have been a lot tougher to make progress and to get to where we want to be," says Sean Crowell, the Denver Plant's Process Compliance Supervisor.
Recent changes at the Denver plant were fueled by employee requests which include adding mixed recyclable collection in areas that have small quantities of recyclables, and improving POP (point of purchase) marketing material recycling.
Additional changes around the plant that encourage waste reduction behavior include:
- A decrease in the number and size of trashcans at the plant
- An increase in the number of recycling bins, as well as more strategic placement convenient to the area where the waste is generated
- The addition of clearly labeled recycling bins for easy sorting of stretch wrap, glass, drums, cardboard, banding, and load-lock bags
Period reports provided by Waste Management help gauge the success of these changes as well as determine which initiatives may need adjustment. Sean noted that there exists a direct relationship between the reported recycling rates and the intensity of educational efforts that keep the recycling program top of mind. Signage, management communication, electronic monitor messaging, ongoing employee education, and even kudos from fellow employees serve as prompts that promote the necessary changes.
PepsiCo and Waste Management recognize each and every individual effort that daily makes this program a success—and will ultimately help PepsiCo reach Zero Landfill.
Next Article