A Guide For Hotel and Motel Recycling Managers

Jo M. Townsend Energy Extension Agent, IV Hotel and Motel Energy Program Energy Extension Service

University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with the Florida Energy Office, Department of Community Affairs Florida Department of Environmental Protection Keep Florida Beautiful and Florida Hotel and Motel Association

December, 1993

Copyright, 1993 University of Florida Printed on Recycled Paper

September 1993

To Members of Florida's Hospitality Industry: Reducing waste is the number one priority in Florida's Solid Waste Management Plan. Conscientious efforts have been made by all segments of the population to generate less waste. The business sector stands to gain twofold. First, there will be a reduction in disposal costs; and second, there will be a formation of a positive environmental image in the community. Ms. Carol Browner, the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and former Secretary of Florida's Department of Environmental Regulation, was quoted as saying, "The unique thing going on in Florida is the growing consciousness that good environment is good business." As one of Florida's largest industries, the Hotel and Motel Industry can make a significant impact on waste reduction and recycling. By using its purchasing power, your industry can spur the sale of recycled products. I would like to acknowledge the Hotel and Motel Industry for taking the necessary steps toward informing and educating others within their industry of the importance of source reduction and recycling. Both the Florida Hotel and Motel Industry Recycling and EcoPurchasing projects and the Florida Hotel and Motel Energy Management Program are examples of how one of the larger industries in our state has addressed Florida's environmental requirements. One of our central challenges is to protect our natural resources for tomorrow with sound management practices today. With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

LAWTON CHILES

HOSPITALITY SQUARE 200 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE POST OFFICE BOX 1529 TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32302-1529 904-224-2888 WATS 800-476-FHMA FAX 904-222-FHMA

August, 1993

A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO FLORIDA'S LODGING COMMUNITY

Florida's picturesque land, waters and shores are major factors in our state's economic growth, especially in tourism which now brings some $38 billion annually to the economy. Protecting the environmental quality of these valued assets is important to all business and industry sectors, particularly to those who depend on it for their livelihood. The management of waste is one aspect of environmental quality to which the Florida hotel and motel industry is most sensitive. In support of this effort, the lodging industry has a "jump start" in recycling and source reduction. The Florida Hotel & Motel Association actively supports and is involved in research and educational program development by the University of Florida to assist our industry in implementing Recycling and Source Reduction Programs designed specifically for our industry and the millions of annual visitors it serves. Our Hotel/Motel Recycling and EcoPurchasing programs demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. We challenge all hotel/motel/resort properties in Florida to join and continue in this most worthy effort.

Thomas A. Waits President

I wish to thank the people of the Hotel Industry for their contribution to this recycling guide. First, I am grateful to the many hotel managers and engineers who provided facilities and employees for the hotel/motel recycling pilot project. The procedures in this guide were first developed and tested with these properties and then improved through work done subsequently with many other hotels. These hotel General Managers and Engineers were responsible for overseeing their respective programs: Tom Fultz, General Manager and Octavio Restrepo, Director of Engineering, Altamonte Springs Hilton and Towers; Keith Showers, Assistant Manager, Comfort Inn at Lake Buena Vista; John Steele, Director of Engineering, Hilton at Walt Disney World Village; and Hal Horton, General Manager and Mark Dunham, Chief Engineer, Holiday Inn, Orlando International Airport; Dennis Ward, Director of Engineering Hyatt Orlando; Jack Hardin, Resident Manager and Bill Smith, Chief Engineer, Twin Towers Hotel and Convention Center. Project management and coordination with the Central Florida Hotel and Motel Association was by Marilynn MacKinnon and then by BillWatson, Executive Directors. The following recycling industry leaders also provided valuable information and assistance: Ivan Lawyer, Executive Director and Pat Harris, Regional Director, Florida Business and Industry Recycling Program; David Baker, Executive Director, Glass Recycling Program and Suzette Miller, Regional Recycling Manager, Steel Recycling Institute. The following Recycling Coordinators provided assistance in organizing the program and with the recycling of telephone books: Jim Becker, Orange County; Sherry Newkirk, Seminole County and Octavio Serrano, City of Orlando. Materials were transported by Florida Garbage Service, Industrial Waste Service, Walt Disney World Recycling and processed by Paper Stock Dealers, Orlando Waste Paper Company, Southeast Recycling Corporation, Griffin Industries, Robert Wallick Associates, Walt Disney World Recycling and Recycle America of Orange County. Recycling Managers of the Florida Pilot Hotel and Motel Recycling Project

L to R: Mark Dunham, Octavio Restepro, Jack Hardin, Keith Shores, John Steele and Dennis Ward

Leaders in Floridas Hospitality Industry are concerned about the environment and realize that they must do their part to protect Floridas natural resources. Visitors to our state expect to find clean, beautiful beaches and lakes, fish in the waters, shells on the beaches, birds in the trees and clear bright skies. Floridas hotel and motel industry has been a leader in resource management, actively participating in energy conservation since the early 1980s. In 1988, the Florida Legislature passed the Solid Waste Management Act mandating a statewide recycling goal of 30% by the end of 1994. The hospitality industry responded by joining the Florida Energy Extension Service to conduct a recycling pilot project with six hotels in the Orlando area. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the impact of hotel waste recycling on the amount of waste being disposed in Florida landfills, design systems to recycle in hotels and motels and develop educational media to assist hotel management in organizing their recycling programs. Participating hotels were: Altamonte Springs Hilton & Towers Comfort Inn at Lake Buena Vista Hilton at Walt Disney World Village Holiday Inn International Airport Hyatt Resort-Orlando Twin Towers Hotel and Convention Center A waste audit conducted in the six properties indicated that waste generation in guest rooms varied from 1/2 to 28 1/2 pounds of waste per day. Other departments in the hotels also generated large quantities of recyclable materials. During the project, a large convention property generated 7 to 8 1/2 tons of waste per day. The amount of waste was influenced by the number of occupants per guest room, the type of hotel property and the type of activities in the hotel. The results of the pilot project indicated that Floridas Hospitality Industry can save energy, have a positive impact on the environment and save thousands of dollars in waste hauling and tipping fees at landfills. One hotel in the pilot project saved about 1.24 billion BTU of energy in six months by recycling. This reduction in energy use prevented almost 5000 tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. With approximately 5,000 hotel and motel properties with 300,000 guest rooms in Florida, saving energy has enormous implications for the states environment. In addition to these benefits, hotel managers report that most guests are pleased to see the hotel recycling and are willing to participate in the hotels recycling program.

The project was supported by a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to the Central Florida Hotel and Motel Association. Co-finding was provided by the Florida Energy Extension Service (FEES) and Florida Cooperative Extension Service (FCES) through provisions of project personnel and technical support. This project was conducted as an integral part of the Florida Hotel and Motel Energy Management Program of the FEES which receives support from the Florida Energy Office, Department of Community Affairs and the Florida Hotel & Motel Association. This guide derives from the pilot project, additional years of experience gained from field implementation of the program co-funded by the Department of Environmental Protection and suggestions from hotel and motel engineers who have organized recycling programs.

Each hotel and motel recycling program must be specifically designed to accommodate the hotels procedures of operation, hotel activities and structural design. This guide, derived from the pilot project and two years of additional experience, is designed to accompany a video recently developed for the recycling program. Worksheets to assist in setting up a hotel/motel recycling program are included in the appendices of this guide. A complete educational module to assist hotel management in organizing a hotel recycling program is available. The Hotel and Motel Recycling Module includes:

EcoPurchasing in Hotels and Motels Module is a companion to the Recycling In Hotels and Motels, Module. The EcoPurchasing module provides information to assist hotel purchasing managers in organizing a source reduction program. This module includes:

Hotel managers who are interested in energy, water and waste management programs may write the Florida Energy Extension Service Office, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110940, Gainesville, FL. 32611. Self-help educational materials and videos produced by the Florida Energy Extension Service are available for hotel owners and managers in organizing and implementing energy management programs that employ recycling and ecopurchasing. To order materials and videos contact: Instructional Materials Service University of Florida P.0. Box 110540 Gainesville, FL 326 11-0540 904-392-0502; Fax: 904-392-9585.

Recycling is the process by which materials, otherwise destined for disposal, are collected and used as raw materials for new products. Recycling prevents potentially useful materials from being landfilled or combusted, thus saving energy and natural resources. There are three steps in recycling: collecting the recyclable components of solid waste, processing them into reusable forms, purchasing and using the goods made with reprocessed materials. Hotel recycling programs focus on collecting recyclable materials from the hotels waste stream for recycling and purchasing products made from recycled content. Recycling Symbol The three arrows of the symbol represent the three stages necessary to recycle materials: collect, remake and reuse. Products made of recycled materials may have the symbol on a black background displayed on the package or product. Products made of recyclable materials display the symbol against a white background.

Made of Recyclable Materials

Made of Recycled Materials

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Saving energy has a positive benefit to Floridas environment and recycling is an important tool in conserving energy. When energy is saved, greenhouse gases and pollutants such as nitrous and sulfur oxides associated with acid rain are reduced and ash disposal problems are reduced. Energy savings associated with commonly recycled materials were calculated, tabulated and discussed below by H. J. Whiffen, former Energy Specialist at the Florida Energy Extension Service.

Materials

Gallons of Gasoline equivalent saved per ton recycled 108 108 53 36 42 1,895 90

KWh equivalent saved per ton recycled

Newsprint Office Paper Cardboard Boxes Glass Plastic Aluminum Cans Steel Cans

3,838 3,838 1,875 1,289 19,279 64,166 3,193

Over a six-month time period, one property in the pilot project recycled almost 120 tons of materials with an energy-saving value of over 1.25 billion Btu of energy. It takes 1.25 billion Btu of energy to make 125,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. 125,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity is the energy consumed by 1,250 100-watt light bulbs burning continuously for almost 42 days. The consumption of 1.25 billion Btu of energy from coal adds 125 tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This energy consumption also places 3,340 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 1,400 pounds of nitrous oxides into the atmosphere. Nitrous oxides and sulfur dioxide contribute to the production of smog and acid rain. Florida imports most of its energy resources. Energy conservation means that Floridas economy is more efficient and less dependent on imported, depletable resources. Recycling does more than save energy and resources; it reduces the pressure on other waste management strategies like landfilling and incineration, both of which have perceived and potentially adverse economic and environmental impacts. At the same time, recycling reduces garbage hauling and tipping fees. The energy, environmental and economic benefits make recycling a top-priority opportunity for a profit-oriented business.

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Hotel and motel owners, general managers, department managers and employees must make a commitment to the hotels recycling program if it is to be successful. A successful recycling program requires time, money and a positive attitude about recycling. Research and evaluation of the hotels current waste disposal practices are needed before the recycling program can be developed. This can be accomplished through an employee team or committee who research the hotels waste handling practices. The Recycling Team can then assist the hotels management in designing a recycling program to reduce the hotels waste. The employee team approach has proven to be a successful method of addressing energy management, safety and other programs in hotels. The following section discusses organizing and implementing a hotel recycling program.

Inform the hotels owners and appropriate corporate managers of the hotels intent to organize a recycling program. Seek their commitment and financial support. Appoint a Recycling Program Manager. In large hotel properties, a full time Recycling Program Manager may be needed. Establish an accounting system that reflects monthly waste management costs. A monthly report is needed for tracking waste disposal and recycling information. Establish a budget for the recycling program. Funds are needed for purchasing recycling containers and equipment. Additional funds are needed for employee motivation programs. Create employee interest in the hotels recycling program. Involve employees in the initial stages of the program. Employees will take ownership of the program if they have helped create it. Our program has a chance of succeeding, my program or your program may not be successful. Assist the Recycling Team in establishing the hotels recycling goals. Post the goals on bulletin boards so all employees are informed. Meet with the Recycling Team periodically to demonstrate the companys commitment and to monitor the programs progress.

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Inform the Recycling Program Manager of planned structural renovations and equipment replacements. These activities may require special arrangements with haulers and material processors. Support the Recycling Teams decisions that make the program operate more successfully. Changing waste disposal procedures may present problems for some department managers and supervisors. Incorporate recycling procedures in employee position descriptions. Include recycling procedures in new employee orientation, employee training programs and staff meetings. Inform appropriate people in the hotels corporate structure ofthe programs progress. Emphasize the savings in waste disposal costs, the conservation of natural, nonrenewable resources and pollution prevention. Inform employees of the programs progress. Place copies of monthly recycling reports on employee bulletin boards and discuss in departmental staff meetings. Develop an environmentally green marketing plan for the hotel. Work with the hotels marketing company to highlight the hotels Recycling and EcoPurchasing programs in all promotional materials. Prepare news articles for hospitality journals to publicize the hotels environmental programs.

The Recycling Program Manager is usually selected by the hotels General Manager. The Recycling Program Manager needs to have leadership and communications skills that motivate employees. Knowledge of the hotels waste disposal practices and contract procedures would be helpful. Meet monthly with the hotels General Manager to inform him/her of the recycling programs progress. Organize the hotels Employee Recycling Team to assist in developing and implementing the recycling program. For the greatest success, involve employees from all departments and work shifts. To involve more employees, establish a rotation system for Recycling Team members. Work with management to establish a budget for program organization, equipment purchases and employee motivational programs.

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Provide leadership to the Employee Recycling Team. Develop a plan of action which includes meeting dates, activities, employee education, publicity and reports for management and employees. Develop a Recycling Team meeting schedule. Weekly meetings will be needed during the first few weeks of organization the program. Once the program is implemented and operating successfully, monthly meetings will be sufficient. Post meeting announcements on employee bulletin boards so all employees are aware of the meetings. List the meeting dates with the hotels meeting planner so it will appear on the hotels daily events television monitors for the public. Work with the recycling materials processor to train the Recycling Team in recycling materials preparation. The degree of preparation will vary with the different processors. Develop recycling procedures to complement the operational practices of the hotel. Train employees in recycling procedures specific for the hotel and their departments. Research recycling container types and equipment prices before presenting the information to the Recycling Team and Hotel Management. Forms to assist in gathering this information are included in Appendix F. Contact Intermediate Processors and Government Materials Recovery Facilities for processing information. (See form in the Appendix E) With the assistance of department managers and employees, design materials collection and storage systems that complement employee work procedures. Seek their input in selecting recycling collection containers for work stations in their departments. Issue bid invitations to waste haulers and intermediate processors for recycling materials removal/hauling and processing. (See form in the Appendix E) Work with the hotels General Manager and Public Information Manager to prepare news releases for the hospitality industry publications and the media. Issue bid invitations for purchasing and leasing recycling containers and equipment. Develop a monitoring program that addresses employee compliance in the hotels recycling program. If one employee does not comply with the materials preparation requirements of the processor, an entire load of materials may be rejected. 14

New programs are more successful when employees receive recognition for their ideas and efforts. Management must be willing to commit resources and time to developing a motivational program that creates the feeling that I am a part of a team and am appreciated.

Listed below are a few motivational rewards used by successful Hotel and Motel Recycling Teams: - certificate or trophy - recognition in the hotels newsletter - letters of appreciation from the hotels management - dinner or party for the entire staff - buttons, posters and tee shirts - recognition for employees recycling ideas that are used.

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The Recycling Team represents employees from all departments and work shifts of the hotel. Recycling team members may be volunteers, selected by management or elected by co-workers. Establish a rotation system for recycling team members. Keep a few experienced members on the team.

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When the recycling team is developing and carrying out the recycling program, it may be necessary for the team to meet weekly. After the recycling program is in full operation, monthly meetings will be adequate. During the first two to three months, focus meeting agendas on organizing the recycling program and training employees. When the recycling program is organized and operating smoothly, focus meeting agendas on motivational programs and carrying out of employee ideas and program publicity. After the recycling program has been in place for five or six months, it is time to increase the knowledge of recycling Team members and evaluate the services of the recycling companies and hauler.

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If properly informed of the procedures, most hotel guests are pleased to see a recycling program in hotels and are willing to participate in the recycling program. To increase guest involvement in the recycling program, inform guests of the hotels recycling program upon check-in. Provide them with information as to what their involvement in the program should be. Recycling information cards are being placed in guest rooms or given to guests as they check into the hotel. Also, place collection containers in convenient locations near trash containers throughout the property. Hotel managers report that most guests are please to see the hotel recycling and are willing to participate in the hotels program. This awareness allows both the guest and the hotel to participate in the growing interest in ecotourism. The recycling information on the sample card below informs the guest that the hotel is recycling and informs them where to leave their recyclable materials. The following guest recycling information was developed by the Florida Energy Extension Service, University of Florida for the Central Florida Hotel and MotelAssociations Recycling Program. Guest Recycling Information cards are available from the University of Florida. This card can be customized and printed with the hotels logo. Permission for use of the Keep Florida Beautiful logo must be received from Keep Florida Beautiful, Inc., Tallahassee.

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All hotels and motels have sufficient quantities of recyclable materials to justify recycling. It has been established nationally by hotel/motel recycling programs that 50-65% of a hotels waste is recyclable. The amount of recyclables generated in hotels/motels depends on the following variables: hotel size and type hotel occupancy number and size of meal functions amount of lounge business number and type of conventions guest and employee activities purchasing practices of the hotel/motel number and type of businesses renting spaces in the hotel

Most hotels generate glass, paper, plastic, aluminum and steel in their daily operations. In addition, periodically there are bed linens, uniforms, cooking oils, furniture, televisions, equipment, batteries, motor oil, paint, light bulbs, construction debris and landscaping waste to be recycled.

Businesses renting spaces in hotels are often overlooked in recycling programs. The number and type of businesses renting space in hotels have an impact on the volume of waste to be disposed of by the hotel. The amount of waste created by a business should be a consideration by the hotel when negotiating leasing contracts. Before leasing space, consider the type of waste generated by the business and how they plan to dispose of it. Cardboard and office paper are common recyclables with the types of businesses found in hotels. If the tenants business produces hazardous waste, this waste might be thrown into the hotels waste collection containers making the hotel responsible for waste disposal problems. For example, a photography operation that develops film will need to dispose of hazardous materials from the developing process. 19

A waste audit identifies the types and approximate quantities of materials for recycling. The audit helps select the size of containers needed for collecting and storing the recyclable materials. The information is also helpful in estimating the savings from reduced waste disposal costs. The amount of waste and recyclables produced in a hotel is affected by variables that differ every day. An audit only produces information related to the waste and recyclables generated on the day of the audit. Activities in the hotel such as type of conventions, number of meals served, hotel occupancy affect the volume of recyclables on a specific day. The following Methods A and B are being used to estimate the amount of recyclable materials being used by recycling professionals:

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Experience has proven that the estimate auditing method is as accurate as the sorting method and requires much less work. The variables associated with hotel operations make a sorting type waste audit accurate for only the day of the audit. No two days will be alike.

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Before a hotel recycling program can be implemented, a decision must be made about where the recyclable materials are to be taken for processing. This decision can make the difference between simply disposing of recyclables and receiving money for them. It also determines the amount of material preparation required for recycling. This important decision usually involves either public or private processing facilities. Research the options before deciding the disposal needs of the hotels recycling program. The decision should be made by the hotels management and not by waste haulers, county or city government or companies who transport recyclable materials. Florida Law permits a business to choose where their recyclable materials are taken for processing and how they are transported. To prevent these problems, recycling should not be a part of commercial county or city franchising agreements with waste hauling companies. Recyclable materials are considered commodities produced by the hotel, thus giving the hotel the right to choose the method of disposal. Ownership of recyclable materials has become an issue with businesses, recycling companies and local governments. This issue is called flow control and is a significant matter presenting problems for commercial recycling programs nationally.

An intermediate processor collects, consolidates, and prepares quantities of recyclable materials for shipment to manufacturers. Some processing facilities are owned and operated by mills or manufacturers. Processors offer different levels of services. Some processors operate buy-back centers where materials are weighed and payment is made for specific materials. Full service processors accept all recyclable materials and may offer other services such as container leasing or loan and materials transportation.

The following questions will help in gathering information when making decisions for selecting a company to process the hotels recyclable materials. A form is provided in Appendix F to help in organizing this information.

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Which recyclable materials does the processor accept? Some processors accept all of the materials being recycled by hotels and motels. These materials include office paper, newspaper, cardboard, steel, plastic, aluminum and glass. In contrast, some processors only accept one or two select materials. For example, an intermediate processor may recycle only aluminum or office paper. To reduce truck traffic at the property, look for a processor who accepts all of the recyclable materials. What are the materials preparation requirements? The degree of preparation will vary with the materials and with the processors. Some processors require that materials be clean and sorted and others accept clean commingled materials. Does the processor pay the hotel/motel for the materials? Some processors pay for clean, high quality recyclable materials. Receiving payment for the materials should not be the motivating force for recycling; however, if payment is received for the materials, it can help finance the recycling programs start-up expenses and employee programs. If the processor pays for recyclable materials, establish how the price is determined and how often payment is made. Provide the processor with the hotels name and address so payments are not sent to the hauling company. Does the processor provide collection and/or storage recycling containers? If yes, are containers provided at no cost? How are old worn out containers replaced? Processors may provide free recycling containers with an exclusive agreement for the materials. Does the processor provide transportation for the materials? If yes, is there a charge? What are the frequency and hours of materials pick-up? There are processors who provide free transportation for materials. In Florida, this has been a trend with mills and processors of newspaper, office paper, aluminum and cooking oil. The transportation charges by waste hauling companies are very competitive. Are there charges for processing the recyclable materials? Processors have not charged for processing the materials in the past. As they invest in expensive equipment some have assessed fees for processing materials. Processors who receive recyclable materials at no cost to them, usually do not charge for processing the recyclable materials.

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Does the processor provide the hotel with the weight of recyclable materials? Material weights are of value in calculating the savings from the hotels recycling program. Some processors estimate weights while others weigh the materials. Weight receipts can help the hotel in record keeping for recycling materials payment purposes. It can also be used in reporting and publicizing the hotels recycling program accomplishments. Request that the materials weight receipts be delivered or mailed to you on the same day the materials are received for processing.

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A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) accepts commingled recyclable materials for processing. Most MRFs accept glass, plastic, paper, aluminum and steel materials. Each operation is different, so contact the local MRF manager for information about acceptable materials and the preparation required.
MRFs may be owned and operated by private industry or by city or county governments. In Florida, some MRFs are owned by counties and operated by private industry. MRFs may not pay for recyclable materials and occasionally there may be sorting or processing fees. However, some privately owned MRFs pay for recyclables. Investigate the rules and regulations governing hauling and tipping fees at MRFs in your county before choosing a processor for the hotels recyclable materials. Intermediate processors/recycling companies are listed in the yellow pages of telephone directories. New companies or smaller companies may not be listed in the yellow pages. Contact the local county or city recycling coordinator for a list of recycling companies servicing your area and a copy of local recycling rules and regulations at the County MRF.

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The Central Recycling Center (CRC) is an area where recyclable materials are stored at the hotel facility until transported to a processor.

Consideration should be given to the location of the CRC. For convenience, locate it outside the hotel near an employee service exit. Easy access to the container(s) is needed for vehicles picking up and transporting the materials. The CRC is usually located outside the hotel because of the amount of space required for containers. Odors, insects and rodents are also reasons for locating CRCs outside. The hotels design, space limitations and vehicle access may make it impossible to locate CRCs conveniently. Visibility of the CRC is a concern for some hotel management. They are concerned with the visibility of recycling equipment and stored materials creating an undesirable appearance for the guests. However, guests are expressing interest in preserving the environment and recycling is one way for the hotel to create a positive environmental image. Well kept CRCs that are visible to guests create a positive image for the hotel. Hotels that prohibit CRCs visibility are concealing the area with fences, walls or landscaping. Local zoning ordinances may regulate the CRC location.

Equipment is needed in the CRC to prepare materials and store them until they are hauled to the recycling materials processor. Equipment usually found in the CRC are large storage containers such as a recycling roll-off container, and portable 92gallon containers or dumpsters. A baler is needed for cardboard. A large trash container for disposing of non-recyclables should be placed in the CRC. If a trash container is not available, non-recyclables may be thrown into recycling containers or on the ground.

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Recycling Roll-off Containers

Large compartmentalized recycling roll-off containers are very popular containers for hotel CRCs. The unit may be compartmentalized for sorted recyclables or simply one large compartment for commingled materials. These recycling units are covered and have conveniently located sliding doors. They are available in different sizes but a word of CAUTION! To reduce the number of times the container is hauled and/or emptied at the processor, select a container as large as space permits. If the hotel is paying for each container pull and processing fees, the savings from recycling is reduced when containers are pulled too often or half full. Recycling roll-off containers are available through waste hauling companies and some Intermediate Processors. Recycling containers may be purchased or leased.

RecyclingDumpsters
Dumpster waste containers are commonly used at smaller hotel/motel properties for storing waste. They are now being used for storing specific recyclable materials such as newspaper, cardboard and office paper. The dumpster container is not big enough for large hotels and will require more frequent emptying, thus increasing the cost of recycling.

A recycling dumpster is emptied into a larger container on the back of a truck. The dumpster is not removed from the hotel. Drivers may pick up materials from several locations and dump them into the same container before hauling to the processor or mill. This creates a question as to how the weights are determined. Weights of recyclable materials in dumpsters are usually estimates. Materials are not weighed before dumping into the large container on the truck. If the hotel expects payment for recyclable materials, ask how the weights are determined.
If dumpster containers are used for collection of recyclable and waste materials, the recycling dumpster needs to be painted a different color and labeled to prevent trash/ waste materials being thrown into the recycling container. Dumpster recycling containers may be provided at no cost or may be leased or purchased from a waste hauler or intermediate processor.

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Portable Storage Containers

Large 92-gallon portable rolling containers are the third type of container used in CRCs for collecting and storing materials. These containers are convenient for small hotels/motels that recycle only a few items such as aluminum cans and office paper. Individual containers have limitations on transportation and storage capacity. This smaller container is usually transported by a recycling company or by a hotel vehicle. Before making a final decision on storage containers for the hotels CRC, compare cost benefits of container leasing and purchasing. A worksheet is included in Appendix F to help in the research of storage containers for the CRC.

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The first step in developing the recycling materials flow plan is to review the hotels floor plan. Locate the storage spaces, hallways, equipment placement and employee traffic patterns in all departments. From this information, decisions can be made on collection and storage container placement and on the movement of recyclables through the hotel. The movement paths should be the ones with the least amount of interference with hotel guests and employee activities.

Placing Recycling Collection Containers

Involve employees in deciding where the recycling collection containers will be located in their work areas. For greater employee participation in the recycling program, locate collection containers in or near work areas where recyclables are generated. This method is called collecting at the source or point of waste generation. For example, place a recycling collection container near the can opener in the kitchen. When cans are opened and emptied they can easily be placed in the appropriate collection containers. Hotel design, equipment placement and traffic patterns may prevent the containers from being placed in convenient locations. If this is the case, place the containers as close to the work area as possible.

To reduce the labor costs of recycling, handle recycling materials as few times as possible. However, in offices it is necessary to add an intermediate collection station. Paper collection should begin at each desk or work station. The full desk containers are then emptied into intermediate collection containers that are located near the work area. At the end of the day or when the larger storage containers are full, they should be emptied at the hotels Central Recycling Center (CRC).

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Once sites for recycling containers have been identified and storage containers selected, establish a materials flow plan -- routes to move the recyclables to the CRC. Developing a materials flow plan is a very important step in setting up the recycling program. This establishes what materials are to be recycled at which locations, where materials are to be stored, the collection containers to be used, which employees do the tasks and the direction the materials are to be moved through the property. By completing materials flow plan worksheets for every department and marking the directions the materials are moved on a property floor plan, it is easy to identify and prevent traffic problems with guests and employees. The materials flow plan should start at the point where the recyclables are generated and continue until the materials are placed in the container(s) in the CRC. Amaterials flow plan worksheet is included in Appendix E

After the material collection points have been identified, it is time to choose the smaller, movable containers where recyclables are first collected and stored. Match the containers to materials to be collected and to the identified collection and storage spaces throughout the property. Consider color coding the containers for specific recyclable materials.

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Most hotel/motel recycling programs are designed to collect and store recyclable materials until the materials are transported to a processor. However, if storage space is limited or transportation fees are high, materials may need to be processed at the hotel to minimize the space required to store them. Materials processing, except for cardboard, is not recommended in hotel recycling programs.

A baler is the most frequently used recycling processing equipment in hotel/motel recycling programs. The massive amount of cardboard produced in hotel/motel operations quickly fills recycling roll-offs and dumpsters if a baler is not used.
In Florida, baled cardboard is purchased by paper mills and some processors. They pick up clean, baled cardboard at the hotel and transport it to the mill at no cost to the hotel. Thus, the hotel receives a waste disposal cost savings and funds for the materials. Economically, purchasing a baler is a wise choice for most hotels. Baling cardboard reduces the number of times the recycling roll-off or recycling dumpster must be emptied. Recycling baled cardboard provides a quick return on the investment in a baler. The savings from recycling baled cardboard has paid for balers at hotels throughout the state.

For a successful hotel recycling program, recycling materials collection and preparation must become the responsibility of every employee in the hotel. The method of materials collection and preparation depends on the degree of preparation required by the processor.
A small amount of preparation is required by all processors. It is easier and less time consuming to prepare the recyclables at the source. As products are used or containers are emptied, they are placed in specific recycling collection containers. Before employees begin collecting materials and placing them in recycling containers, provide training on material preparation procedures. Even if the materials go to a MRF, some sorting and preparation is required. Check with your Processor or MRF as to the degree of preparation and sorting of recycled materials required before beginning the employee training program. Request that the processor assist with the initial training for the Employee Recycling Team.

When evaluating how to collect and where to store recyclables, inquire about local fire codes for storing paper and other materials at Intermediate and Central Recycling Centers.

There are two ways of storing recyclables in hotels. This depends on the requirements of the processor who is handling the hotels recyclable materials.

Sorted Materials
In a sorted materials recycling program, materials are sorted by type. Steel, aluminum, plastic, paper and glass are each stored in separate recycling containers. These materials may be sorted further. For example, glass is sorted by color into clear, brown and green.

Commingled Materials
In a commingled recycling program, all the recyclable materials are stored together. Office paper is usually an exception. It must be kept clean and dry, so it is stored separately. The commingled materials are sorted and processed at a materials recovery facility.

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The following recycling guidelines provides basic recycling information. Materials preparation may be slightly different with each processor.

Cardboard is the most important material in a hotel/motel recycling program. Cardboard is produced in all departments of the hotel. All departments handle a large volume of cardboard. Theres so much of it that, proportionately, it is the largest part of recyclables in a hotels waste stream. Because of its bulk, cardboard occupies a tremendous amount of space in waste containers and should be removed from the hotels waste stream and recycled.

Hotels that provide daily newspapers for their guests add several tons to their waste disposal costs monthly. Newspapers require no preparation if they are not placed in bags or labeled with sticky labels. Collect newspapers throughout the property. Place newspaper recycling containers in dining rooms, pool areas and lobbies for guest participation in newspaper recycling. Baskets make attractive recycling containers for inside areas. Waterproof storage containers are needed outside in the CRC. Involving guests in newspaper recycling reduces employee labor and informs the guests of the hotels concern with the environment. It also provides a unique form of advertising for the property, as tourists and others talk about the hotels recycling program to their friends and business associates.

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Hotels/motels a generate considerable amount of office paper. However, it may be less than other businesses because of the use of time-saving, non-recyclable selfcarbon forms. Self-carbon forms are used for reservation computers, guest folios, food and drink inventories, purchase lists, convention planning, housekeeping records, maintenance request, purchase orders and office memos. Many larger properties are switching to computers and eliminating the cost of purchasing self carbon forms, which are not recyclable at most processors. Each department in the hotel generates recyclable office paper. Most of the recyclable paper is computer, white ledger, copy paper, letterhead and envelopes. In-coming mail is another source of recyclable paper. Convention hotels have boxes of printed brochures and hand-out materials left from convention attendees and exhibitors. Most of these materials can be recycled with office paper. Check with your processor about accepting convention flyers and boxed materials.

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Glass is primarily generated in the Food and Beverage Department. A small amount of glass may be generated from service bars in guest rooms. Most of the glass is generated from beer, wine, liquor and food containers. Some processors require that glass be sorted by color - clear, brown and green. Processors with MRFs accept glass that is commingled. The glass is then color sorted by the processor.

Aluminum and steel cans are abundant in hotels and motels. Soft drink and juice machines are located throughout most properties. Steel cans are generated in the kitchens and food preparation areas.

Recycle: Aluminum beverage cans, steel food cans, aerosol cans and paint cans. Metal pipes, white goods (air conditioning units, refrigeration, etc.) motors, aluminum window frames and lawn furniture are recyclable but need special arrangements with processors. Preparation: Empty and rinse cans to remove food residue. Remove both ends of can and flatten it to reduce size. Dry empty paint cans. Empty aerosol cans and dispose of the top. Items Not Accepted: Pesticide cans, power tools, batteries, silverware flatware, sterno fuel cans, cans with liquid or food in them and cooking utensils.

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Recyclable plastic is abundent in the hotel. Plastic containers are found in the Food and Beverage, Housekeeping and Engineering Departments. Guests often leave behind plastic bottles in guest rooms. The Society for Plastics Industry (SPI) developed a standard identification system that identifies different kinds of plastic resins. This helps plastic processors recover different kinds of plastic materials. The coding system has a recycling triangle with numbers 1-7 which identifies the resin. Originally only plastic bottles were coded, however, now most plastic containers have the recycling symbol on the bottom. Check with your processor as to the type plastics they will accept.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Code 1, and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Code 2, plastic containers are a high volume item in hotel recycling programs. PET is made from a strong, lightweight form of clear polyester material. PET is used for soft drink bottles, liquor bottles and other food and non-food containers. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Code 2, is used to produce plastic bottles for household, automotive, personal care, assorted food products and cleaning supplies. It is used for milk, water and laundry detergent bottles. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Code 3, commonly used for blister packaging. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Code 4, examples include plastic trash bags, bread and bun wraps and plastic sleeves for cups and lids. Polypropylene (PP) Code 5, used for packaging such as yogurt containers, shampoo bottles and margarine tubs. Polystyrene (PS) Code 6, plastic is used for making food service containers such as Styrofoam cups food trays and clamshell packaging. PS products are recyclable; however, in Florida it is difficult to find a processor who will accept them. Other, Code 7, includes multi-layer resins. It can include items manufactured using a combination of the plastics listed above.

Collect and strain cooking oil and grease in hotel/motel kitchens. Companies that recycle cooking oil and grease may provide specially designed collection containers for its storage and will transport it from the hotel.

Refinish and reupholstry quality furniture. Furniture can be sold to other hotels, employees or donated to charitable causes.

Refinish pool and patio furniture instead of purchasing new furniture.

Carpet and carpet padding are being shredded and made into new carpet. Vacuum carpet, remove from the floor and store in a dry area.

Repair quality equipment. Recycle old equipment with a metal recycling processor. Trade-in old equipment when purchasing new equipment. Give old equipment to vocational schools for teaching repair techniques to students.

Establish a motor oil recycling center in the maintenance department for used oil from equipment motors. Oil collection centers for public use are located throughout the state. Ask your oil supplier about setting up an oil recycling program.

Include collection and disposal of construction materials in contracts. Dispose of construction materials separately from the hotels regular waste. Inform contractors of your recycling program and request that they comply while working on the property. The Florida Solid Waste Management Law requires that construction debris be segregated and disposed of in separate landfill locations, so contractors need separate waste dumpsters.

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Shred fronds and clippings to make plant bedding material to save water, moderate soil temperatures, discourage weeds and reduce competition from grass. Call the local County Cooperative Extension Service for information about landscape recycling.

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Consumption - the amount of any resource (material or energy) used in a given time. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, formerly Departments of Environmental Regulation and Natural Resources) - the agency charged with the enforcement of all environmental laws and regulations in Florida; the lead agency implementing the Solid Waste Management Act. Disposal Cost Savings - economic savings from reduced waste hauling operational expenses (e.g., labor, storage, containers, balers, transportation and hauling fees, etc.) and avoided tipping fees. EcoPurchasing - a source reduction strategy empowering purchasing managers to select durable and non-durable goods that create the least amount of waste and toxicity. EcoPurchasing also promotes reuse of products and materials and supports recycling and resource/energy conservation. EcoToursim - responsible travel that helps to conserve the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people. EPA (United States Environmental protection Agency) - the agency charged with the enforcement of all federal regulations regardmg air and water pollution, radiation and pesticide hazard, ecological research, and solid waste disposal. Also known as U.S. EPA. Hazardous Waste - waste that requires special precaution in its storage, collection, transportation, use, treatment, or disposal to prevent damage to human health and/or the environment. Hazardous wastes include, corrosive, explosive, flammable, ignitable, radioactive, reactive, toxic, volatile and pathological materials. Landfill - see sanitary landfill. Nonrecyclable - not capable of being recycled or used again. Packaging - the materials used to wrap, contain and protect products use or layer. Recyclables - materials that still have useful physical or chemical properties after serving their original purposes and that can be reused or remanufactured into additional products. Recycled Content - that part of a product which has been produced using preconsumer or postconsumer recycled material; measured by percentage. Recycling - the process by which materials otherwise destined for disposal are collected, reprocessed or remanufactured and reused.

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Reuse - the use of a product more than once in its same form for the same or similar purpose. Sanitary Landfill - a land waste disposal site that is located to minimize water pollution from runoff and leaching. Waste is spread in thin layers, compacted, and covered with a fresh layer of soil each day to minimize pest, aesthetic, disease, air pollution and water pollution problems. Solid Waste Management - the systematic administration of activities which provide for the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste. Tipping Fee - a fee, usually dollars per ton, for the unloading or dumping of waste at a landfill, transfer station, recycling center or waste-to-energy facility. Also called disposal fee or service fee. Waste - anything that is discarded, useless, or unwanted; opposite of conserve, as in to waste. Waste Reduction - reducing the amount or type of waste generated; sometimes used synonymously with source reduction. Waste Stream - The total flow of solid waste from homes, businesses, institutions, and manufacturing plants that must be recycled, burned, or disposed of in landfills or any segment thereof such as the commercial waste stream.

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45

UNITED MARKETING, INC. 11326 Wiles Road Florida Expo Center Coral Springs, FL 33076 VITAL VISIONS CORPORATION Route 1, Box 95 Freeport, FL 32439 WINDSOR BARREL WORKS PO Box 47 Kempton, PA 19529 ZARN, INC. PO Box 1350 Reidsville, NC 27320

J V MANUFACTURING, INC. 701 Highway 68B PO Box 229 Springdale, AK 72765-0229 JIM HARDEE EQUIPMENT COMPANY 5801 E. Broadway Tampa, FL 33675 LOAD KING MANUFACTURING CO. PO Box 40606 Jacksonville, FL 32203 ORANGE KRUSHER, INC. PO Drawer 580156 Orlando, FL 32856 PHILADELPHIA TRAMRAIL COMPANY 2207 E. Ontario St. Philadelphia, PA 19134 PRODEVA, INC. Drawer R Jackson Center, OH 45334 R J WILLIAMS COMPANY, INC. P. 0. Box 663 Lutz, FL 33549 RECYCLING ROUNDUP, . " I INC. 505 W. 6th St. Papillion, NE 68046 THOLE ENTERPRISES 1400 Shadwell Circle Lake Mary, FL 32746

EQUIPMENT
AMERICAN WASTE REDUCTION CO. 8505 Silver Star Road Orlando. FL 32818 CHEM-TAINER INDUSTRIES, INC. 361 Neptune Ave. N. Babylon, NY 11704 FLORIDA EQUIPMEN & MACHINERY 4265 US Highway 98 North Ste 103 PO Box 91115 Lakeland, FL 33804 GLASS CYCLE SYSTEMS, INC. 5452 West Crenshaw St Ste 5 Tampa, FL 33634 GRAB- IT ENTERPRIZES P. O. Box 703 Jackson, AL 36545 INTERNATIONAL BALER P. 0. Box 6922 Jacksonville, FL 32236 J D L COMPANY 5000 San Jose Blvd. Ste 143 Jacksonville, FL 32207

PRINTER RIBBONS & CARTRIDGES

FLORIDA RIBBON & RECYCLING COMPANY 2306 58th St E. Palmetto, FL 34221 See EcoPuchasing In Hotels and Motels for lists of products made from recycled materials.

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Aluminum Recycling Association, 1000 16th Street NW, Suite 603,Washington, DC 20036, 202-785-0951 American Plastics Council, 2840 Mt. Wilkinson Parkway, Suite 110, Atlanta, GA 30339, 404-80 1-9004 Council for Textile Recycling, 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 208 14, 301-656-1077 Florida Business and Industry Recycling Program (BIRP), 7200 C Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792,407-678-4200, 1-800-FLA-BIRP (hotline) Florida Center For Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, University of Florida, 2207 NW 13th Street, Suite D, Gainesville, FL 32609,904-392-6264 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 2600 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400,904-488-0300 Florida Energy Extension Service, University of Florida, PO Box 110940, Gainesville, FL 32611,904-392-1511 Florida Hotel and Motel Association, 200 W. College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301, 904-224-2888, 1-800-476-3462 Keep Florida Beautiful, 325 John Knox Road, Building M, Suite 240, Tallahassee, FL 32303,904-385- 1528, 1- 800-828-9338; Fax: 904-385-4020 National Recycling Coalition, Inc., 1101 30th Street NW, Suite 305, Washington, DC 20007,202-625-6406; Fax: 202-625-6409 Southeast Glass Recycling Program, P.O. Box 595 12, Clearwater, FL 34618, 813-799-4917 Steel Recycling Institute, Southeastern Regional Office, 4900 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 110 C, Pensacola, FL 32503,904-479-7208 TREEO, Center for Training Research and Education for Environmental Occupations, University of Florida, 3900 SW 63rd Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32608-3848, 904-3929570

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Solid Waste, 401 M Street
SW, Washington, D.C. 20006. EPA Procurement Hotline: 7 13-941-4452 47

Volume Data
What type of waste disposal container is in use? How many refuse containers are being used?
1. Determine the present volume of waste

Number of pickups per month ? Estimate the number of tons per month from waste volume. (Calculate this by multiplying the waste capacity of the container by a factor that corresponds to the number of tons that container typically holds.)
2.

Estimate the potential volume of recyclable materials.

Estimate percentage of extractable recyclables % Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month Estimate the tons/month tons of tons of tons of tons of tons of tons of tons of tons of (material 1) = (material 2 ) = (material 3) = (material 3) = (material 3) = (material 4) = (material 5) = material 6 =

Total tons of recyclable materials

3.

Calculate the waste volume left after recycling Estimate the number of tons/month left after recycling. (line 2 - line 1)
How many pickups/month remain? (This will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of material recycled.)

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4. Waste Disposal Cost Determine the present monthly waste removal costs. (If no invoice is available, call the waste hauling company for copies. Pickup fee per ton/per load Pickup fee x the number of pickups per month (line 1) Tipping fee per ton/per load Tipping fee times x the estimated number of tons per month Add up the total current monthly waste disposal costs. Monthly container rental or lease fees?
5. Determine the waste removal cost/ton (line 4 divided by 1) Estimate your waste removal costs after recycling.

6.

Pickup charges $ Tipping fee $

x number of pickups
x number of tons
=

Monthly Equipment rental or lease fee Add total current monthly disposal costs after recycling.

7.

Monthly waste disposal costs avoided (Line 4 - Line 6 ) (Calculate the savings by subtracting the disposal costs after recycling from the total current waste disposal costs) Annual avoided waste disposal costs (line 7 x line 12)

8.
9.

Calculatetherecyclingprogramstart-upinvestments. Recyclingcontainers,boxes,orcarts Recyclingequipment,balers,compactors Costoftrainingprogramo rinternalpublicity Other Total start-up investment for recycling program

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10. Estimated revenues from recyclables

From your estimate of the volume of recyclable materials (line 2) tons of (material 1) x $ /ton =

tons of (material 2 ) x $ /ton = (Use a conservative market price for these recyclables.)

Total monthly revenues from sale of recyclables Total annual revenues from sale of recyclables (Monthly revenues x 12 to get annual revenues)
11. Summary of Savings Add annual avoided waste disposal costs (line 8) Add total annual revenues from sale of recyclables Total annual savings Total 5 year savings (annual savings x five) Total start-up investment for recycling program (- line #9) 12. Net estimated five year profit on recycling program

Notes:

Adapted from How Your Business can Profit from a Recycling Program Strathman, David and Drake, Barbara. Provided by the Public Utilities Department, City of Jacksonville, Florida 1991.

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The following information will be helpful in estimating the weights of recyclable materials. The Florida Glass Recycling Program provided a more detailed list. Glass makes up a large portion of the recyclable materials in a hotel recycling program because of lounges and bars. Aluminum Beverage Containers Approximately 27 cans = one pound, 24 cans per case Number of cans per month + 27 = pounds per month Uncrushed 1080 cans per cubic yard, 1 cubic yard = 40 pounds Newspaper Neatly stacked 1 cubic yard = 600 pounds one 12 stack of bundled newspaper = 35 pounds Steel/Ferrous Cans 4 #10 cans per case 1 #10 can weighs about 3/4 of a pound 185 #10 cans = 1 cubic yard

Food Waste Solid fats and liquid oils 412.5 pounds = 55 gallon drum 4.8 drums = 1 ton Used Motor oil 7 pounds = 1 gallon 285.7 gallons = 1 ton

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How much recyclable glass does your business generate?

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Florida Energy Extension Service 12/93

Printed on Recycled Paper

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Florida Energy Extension Service,

12/93

UNIVERSITY OF

FLORIDA

Produced by the Florida Energy Extension Service, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Hotel and Motel Association. The Florida Energy Extension Service receives funding from the Florida Energy Office, Department of Community Affairs and is operated by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences through the Cooperative Extension Service. The information contained herein is the product of the Florida Energy Extension Service and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida Energy Office.

Printed on Recycled Paper