Pepsi Bottling, Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix-based PepsiCo coldfill plant also made great strides in decreasing landfill without incinerating any of its waste. Phoenix coldfill was able to dramatically decrease landfilled waste from 300 tons in 2009 to 28 tons in 2011 and 2.7 tons in 2012. The plant had recycling revenue of almost $300K in 2012, helping offset costs such as water expenses in this arid city.
Robert Sirois, Production Manager, points out, "Nearly everything generated is recyclable-except for food scrap from the break rooms or waste from the restroom receptacles." For this waste, one small compactor is utilized, with access to this compactor granted to just two people at the plant.
The Zero Landfill changes made throughout the plant include:
- Eliminating trashcans.
- Adding color-coded, clearly identifiable bins throughout the facility for glass, paper, corrugate, shrink, metal, and food waste.
- Using a color-coded receptacle and liner system that has:
- Clear bags for office trash so that proper use/misuse can be easily identified.
- Blue bags for the break rooms and restrooms which go directly into the compactor.
- Removing paper towels from restrooms and installing high speed hand dryers.
- Including wood scrap with wood palette recycling.
Along with the Plant Director who is extremely passionate about reaching the Zero Landfill goal, the plant Recycling Steward works directly with plant employees to encourage and support recycling. Additional program reinforcement includes clear recycling rules and signs throughout the plant, an active sustainability committee comprised of representatives from each department, as well as regular discussions about Zero Landfill at the weekly manager meetings, and quarterly safety/environmental training sessions.
Like any change, it's the combined efforts of many individuals working as a team that tips the scales.
Zero Landfill is certainly on fire in Arizona!
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