1 – WASTE STREAM ANALYSIS

This process begins by identifying what materials will go into your project "waste stream" -- the different types of material which you would ordinarily haul to the landfill from your project site. In most cases your waste stream will be quite similar to your materials list because it is extremely rare for all of a particular material to be totally consumed by the building process. The major difference will be some packaging, for example paint cans, which will not be specifically identified in your materials list.

ACTION – Copy your materials list; eliminate any materials which will be totally consumed; add any materials not specifically identified on your materials list.

2 – DETERMINE AMOUNTS OF "WASTE" MATERIALS

In most cases the work you have done in assembling your materials list, and your experience in previous projects, will enable you to forecast the amount of any specific material which will be left after that material is used in your project. Identifying that amount will enable you to provide specific information necessary for your trash hauler to service your project.

ACTION – Copy your materials list and annotate with the projected amounts of materials to be generated.

3 DETERMINE WHERE "WASTE" MATERIALS WILL BE GENERATED

In some projects a specific area of the job site or baseyard may be designated for specific activities. You may have a milling operation, or a paint shed which services the entire project. Or you may conduct similar operations at several sites. Identifying the physical locations which will produce certain materials will enable you to plan your recyclable materials recovery operations for optimum efficiency.

ACTION – Copy or create a site plan and annotate with areas where materials will be generated.

4 – DETERMINE WHEN "WASTE" MATERIALS WILL BE GENERATED

As your project progresses the focus of your activities will change. Each separate step will involve different types and quantities of materials. Some phases will produce more "waste", some less. Most projects will have a timeline or schedule. Examination of this planning aid will enable you to accurately predict what materials will be generated when. Knowing your schedule will help you and your haulers plan for efficient hauling of both recyclable and non-recyclable materials.

ACTION – Copy or create a project timeline and annotate with dates when materials will be generated.

DETERMINE REUSE AND RECYCLING OPTIONS

The primary goal of any recycling program is to reduce the amount of materials you send to Maui’s landfills. However, recycling is only one of the options available. Source reduction is the technique of planning and purchasing so as to reduce "waste" before it even reaches your project site. Reuse involves utilizing a material in a secondary fashion not originally intended by the manufacturer or user. These are the other two elements of landfill diversion programs. They can often be even more effective than recycling in reducing waste and costs.

1 – IDENTIFY SOURCE REDUCTION OPTIONS

Specifying pre-cut structural components – trusses, walls, etc. can dramatically reduce the amounts of materials generated at your project site. Modern techniques, including computer designed and controlled milling, make sense both economically and environmentally. Utilizing drywall scraps by filling between wall studs will reduce "waste" and enhance the sound absorption qualities of your buildings. Buying consumables such as fasteners, interior finish items and others, in bulk, can reduce packaging "wastes." Focusing first on reducing the types and amounts of materials can have a significant impact on both materials handling and hauling costs.

ACTION – Contact suppliers, contractors associations, sub-contractors, colleagues, the Maui County Department of Public Works Recycling Section and the Maui Recycling Group for suggestions and ideas. Make your materials list and project timeline available for analysis. Over time the types and quantities of materials which can be utilized for recycling and/or manufacturing new products on Maui can change dramatically. Be sure to get up-to-date information. Refer to the "Resources" section of this publication for contacts.

2. – IDENTIFY RECYCLABLE/RECOVERABLE MATERIALS

Recycling programs in Maui County are dynamic and change frequently. Some materials that will be generated from the job site may be easily recyclable, others must go to the landfill. As of this writing the following materials can be diverted from landfill disposal and delivered to an organization manufacturing value added products. All materials handled in this fashion are exempt from the County of Maui "tipping fee" – currently $43 per ton.

Green Waste – Grubbing, grading and clearing operations can produce quantities of green waste. All of this material is currently utilized in composting operations.

Drywall – Excess drywall is also utilized for compost.

Cardboard – Cardboard is marketed as a commodity.

Plastic Sheeting and Packaging – This material is utilized by Aloha Plastic Recycling Inc.

Untreated Lumber – Untreated lumber can be utilized for compost.

Metals – All metals can be recovered.

Paint: Not currently recyclable on Maui. However, can be donated to community groups and others. See "Resources" section of this publication for details.

ACTION -- It is important to remember that different materials are recyclable at different times. For up-to-date information on all construction site recycling options call the County of Maui Recycling Section at 270-7874. 

3 – CONTACT COMMERCIAL HAULERS

In order for an on-site recycling program to be effective the project’s hauler should be involved from the beginning. Working with the hauler(s) to determine types and numbers of containers, pickup frequency, and materials to be collected is vital.

The most effective way to facilitate this process is to prepare a "Request for Bids" and distribute copies to all commercial haulers, including recycling only haulers. This will alert the haulers to the fact that you plan to implement an on-site recycling program. Be sure to cross-check with your materials list and timeline to determine amounts of materials and timing for different materials.

ACTION – Prepare and mail a "Request For Bids" to all prospective haulers. Please see the "Resources" section for a sample letter format.

4 CONTACT TRADES AND SUBCONTRACTORS

Effective recycling programs require widespread if not universal participation. In order for a construction site program to work all trades and subcontractor personnel must be informed, trained and motivated. Knowing how, and why, to avoid contamination, to recognize and utilize single material containers, to plan for and manage changes in standard operations must penetrate throughout the project personnel.

Contamination is one of the major destroyers of recycling programs. Contamination occurs when any other material is introduced into a single material collection site. For example, if paint is deposited in a drywall container the load is contaminated and must be taken to the landfill. Something as simple as tossing lunch containers and bottles into the wrong bin can instantly turn valuable recyclable materials into costly trash.

ACTION – Provide all trades and subcontractors with written information on the scope and operations involved in your onsite program. Include site plans with receptacle locations; instructions on which materials go in special bins and which go in the trash bins; information on how to facilitate timely pickups. Present the program and materials at all project meetings. Please see the "Resources" section for samples of typical documents.

5 – PREPARE THE SITE

Using your materials list and timeline you should be able to identify when your project will begin to generate recyclable materials. This will allow you to work with your hauler(s),

trades and subcontractors in implementing and tracking your program.

Proper and prominent signage on recyclable and trash bins is a vital component in any onsite program. Onsite small bins should be labeled by spray painting, posting self-stick signage, or by color coding. Larger rolloffs should also be properly identified.

ACTION -- Coordinate with your hauler(s) to develop a single signage plan and determine how and where bins and rolloffs are to be labeled. Coordinate trades and subcontractors to assure that all personnel are aware how, when and where to separate their "wastes" into appropriate categories.

6 – SUPPORT, REPORT, AND MODIFY

Once your project is underway it will still require some degree of "promotion" and support. The onsite recycling program will, of necessity, involve many different individuals and organizations. Active and continuing support by management will be among the most important elements determining the project’s success. Memos, signs and "re-visiting" the scope and operation of the project at any and all meetings should be helpful. It is also important to solicit comments from the trades and subcontractor personnel involved. Often these individuals will have insights gained through actual experience that will enhance the operation of your program.

Reporting on the performance of the project, particularly as that performance relates to the project goals and projections, can help keep all involved up-to-date and motivated.

ACTION: Prepare and distribute regular reports; solicit verbal and written comments from all involved individuals and organizations; modify procedures and policies as feedback and data suggest.