Waste Minimization

Concern for the environment and our natural resources, regulations limiting disposal of certain wastes, and the rising cost of waste management provide real incentives for minimizing the amount of waste generated at SLAC.

The Three Rs

• Reduce is the best method for minimizing waste. It reduces the amount of waste by modifying procedures to use less material and by substituting materials such as less or non-toxic materials.
• Reuse means re-using a product without modifying or altering it. If you have excess or slightly used chemical that may be reusable, look around your organization to see if someone else can use it. You can also contact the Hazardous Materials Program Manager for help in finding a user for your chemical. For other non-chemical items that you no longer need, submit items to SLAC salvage who will look for for re-use and recycling options. Salvage also has items available for re-issue. You can also search for used materials on DOE's Exchange website.
• Recycle a material if it cannot be reused.   SLAC has programs in place to accept recyclable material.

Waste Minimization Resources

• The SLAC Waste Minimization Coordinator is available to discuss minimization opportunities. If you have ideas or suggestions, send e-mail or call. We'll try to help make your idea a reality!
   
• For detailed information on Waste Minimization refer to ESH Manual Chapter 22, "Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention."
   
• SLAC has a well established recycling program for materials such as paper, beverage cans and bottles, corrugated cardboard, metals.
  
  
• In 1999, SLAC established a Environmental Safety Committee. Any SLAC employee can bring an issue to the committee.
  
  

• For information on how to manage and minimize the hazardous waste you generate at home, check out our Household Hazardous Waste page.
  

• Visit Recycle City, a fun, interactive way to learn about the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle).
  

• Check out the links page for more waste minimization links.