Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Waste Minimization: As Easy as A, B, C!

Topic:
Environmental Affairs
Tags:
Guideline,
Waste Minimization
  • Avoid chlorinated organic solvents, cyanide compounds, and petroleum-based compounds when water-based substitutes exist.
  • Buy drainboards and drip pans to enhance drip reuse in process baths.
  • Choose closed-loop (i.e., fully enclosed) recycling designs to reduce wastes and worker exposures.
  • Decrease the frequency of painting and paint removal to minimal levels.
  • Ensure a neat work environment to prevent spills of toxic chemicals.
  • Foster a regular program of waste minimization/pollution prevention planning and auditing.
  • Give employees incentives to find new waste minimization/pollution prevention ideas.
  • Have and use covers for all containers holding fluids that evaporate.
  • Instruct employees in waste minimization/pollution prevention.
  • Just use storage containers with secondary containment (e.g., drip trays, absorbent paper, a barrier around loading/unloading areas). 
  • Keep track of toxic chemical inventories to ensure fewer containers on-site, thus minimizing spills, spoilage, evaporation, and unnecessary purchasing.
  • Label containers to prevent mistakes that could result in wastes requiring disposal.
  • Monitor and maintain the appropriate temperature for heated materials.
  • Never allow leaks to persist.
  • Only use sprays when absolutely necessary, since they waste chemicals through dispersion (e.g., paint over spray).
  • Preclean parts with physical methods (e.g., squeegees, rags) before using solvents.
  • Quit disposing of baths without checking bath quality, and restore quality through the use of non-toxic additives where possible.
  • Recycle chemicals no longer needed through the Surplus Chemical Program (call 766-3696 for more information).
  • Select continuous rather than batch processes whenever possible, to avoid start-up wastes.
  • Try redesigning processes so they require fewer toxic chemicals.
  • Use machines instead of manual methods where toxicity concerns exist and process precision would reduce wastes significantly (e.g., paint spraying). 
  • Varnish and other coatings that are not essential should be avoided.
  • Wash parts only when absolutely necessary. Xerox double-sided as often as possible. Yield maximization is one goal, and...
  • Zero waste is the other.