EPA/600/R-96/114
September 1996
POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
POST OFFICES PITTSBURGH, PA AREA
Carole O. Bell and Henry Huppert
Science Applications International Corporation
Newport, RI02840
EPA Contract No. 68-C2-0148
SAIC Project No. 01-0828-07-1717-070
i •'•, I . "• i , - : : ti '. '» \ : , > • '!>'i \ ' '•' :^t ; '. •,."(•'•
Project Officers
James S. Bridges
...,,-.;, i* '»./;; *P3.''"W '.I.:; •
'"'' ' N. Theresa HQagland '
' Sustainable Techri^logy Division
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
Cincinnati, OH 45268
This stucfy was' conducted iii'cooperation with the
1 ! United States Postal Service
NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
.CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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DISCLAIMER
The information in this document has been funded wholly or in part by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency under EPA contract No. 68-C2-0148 WA 3-10 to Science
Applications International Corporation. It has been subjected to peer and administrative review,
and it has been approved for publication as an EP,A document. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is charged by Congress with protecting the Nation's
land, ail, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency
strives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human
activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate,
EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving environmental
problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our ecological
resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or reduce
environmental risks hi the future.
The National Risk Management Research Laboratory is the Agency's center for investigation of
technological and management approaches for reducing risks from threats to human health and
the environment. The focus of the Laboratory's research program is on methods for the
prevention and control of pollution to air, land, water, and subsurface resources; protection of
water quality hi public water systems; remediation of contaminated sites and ground water; and
prevention and control of indoor air pollution. The goal of this research effort is to catalyze
development and implementation of innovative, cost-effective environmental technologies;
develop scientific and engineering information needed by EPA to support regulatory and policy
decisions; and provide technical support and information transfer to ensure effective
implementation of environmental regulations and strategies.
This publication has been produced as part of the Laboratory's strategic long-term research plan.
It is published and made available by EPA's Office of Research and Development to assist the
user community and to link researchers with then: clients.
E. Timothy Oppelt, Director ;
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
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CONTACT
James Bridges and N. Theresa Hoagland are the EPA contacts for this report. They are presently
with the newly organized National Risk Management Research Laboratory's Sustainable
Technology Division in Cincinnati, OH (formerly the Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory).
The National Risk Management Research Laboratory is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, and is
now responsible for research conducted by the Sustainable Technology Division in Cincinnati..
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FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is charged by Congress with protecting the Nation's
land, air, and water resources. Under a mandate of national environmental laws, the Agency
stives to formulate and implement actions leading to a compatible balance between human
activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life. To meet this mandate,
EPA's research program is providing data and technical support for solving environmental
problems today and building a science knowledge base necessary to manage our ecological
resources wisely, understand how pollutants affect our health, and prevent or reduce
environmental risks in the future.
The National Risk Management Research Laboratory is the Agency's center for investigation of
technological and management approaches for reducing risks from threats to human health and
the environment The focus of the Laboratory's research program is on methods for the
prevention and control of pollution to air, land, water, and subsurface resources; protection of
water quality in public water systems; remediation of contaminated sites and ground water; and
prevention and control of indoor air pollution. The goal of this research effort is to catalyze
development and implementation of innovative, cost-effective environmental technologies;
develop scientific and engineering information needed by EPA to support regulatory and policy
decisions; and provide technical support and information transfer to ensure effective
implementation of environmental regulations and strategies.
This publication has been produced as part of the Laboratory's strategic long-term research plan.
It is published and made available by EPA's Office of Research and Development to assist the
user community and to link researchers with their clients.
E. Timothy Oppelt, Director ;
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
111
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ABSTRACT
The United States Postal Service (USPS) in cooperation with EPA's National Risk
Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is engaged in an effort to integrate waste
prevention and recycling activities into the waste management programs at Postal facilities. This
report describes the findings of the Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment of the United
States Postal Service Post Offices hi Bridgeville, Hickory, Houston, McDonald, Morgan and
Washington, PA. These assessments were conducted during the week of June 12,1995.
The report describes the mission of each of the functional areas of the Post Offices
including operations performed, processes and materials employed and the wastes and emissions
generated. The report makes pollution prevention recommendations hi the following areas: the
procurement of office supplies, maintenance supplies, and hazardous materials; management of
hazardous materials; purchase of chemicals on USEPA's 33/50 list; improvement of source
separation and recycling of paper and paper products, metals and plastics; management of
unwanted equipment; and other recommendations that can lead to the elimination, reduction or
improved management of the facility's solid and hazardous waste streams.
IV
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER i
CONTACT ii
FOREWORD iii
ABSTRACT iv
EXHIBITS vii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS viii
INTRODUCTION ..... 1
1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION '. .j...! .2
FACILITY DESCRIPTIONS 3
2.1 POST OFFICES 3
2.1.1 McDonald. PA 3
2.1.2 Bridgeville. PA :. 5
2.1.3 Morgan. PA 5
2.1.4 Hickory. PA 6
2.1.5 Houston. PA 6
2.1.6 Washington. PA 6
2.2 POST OFFICE WASTE GENERATING OPERATIONS .7
2.2.1 Administration , 7
2.2.2 Facility and Equipment Maintenance 7
2.2.3 Customer Service ....' 8
2.2.4 Mail Sorting 8
2.2.5 Mail Delivery j 8
POST OFFICE POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES 9
3.1 CARDBOARD 10
3.2 PAPER 10
3.3 UBBM I 12
3.4 RECYCLING OF OTHER MATERIALS 12
3.5 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 13
3.6 VEHICLE WASHING ; 13
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3.7 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE 13
3.8 LIGHTING AND ENERGY 14
3.9 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING TUBES 16
3.10 AFFIRMATIVE PROCUREMENT .; 20
3.11 ELIMINATION OF EPA 33/50 CHEMICALS , 23
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECYCLING AND ENERGY USE REDUCTION 25
4.1 RECYCLING 1.... 25
4.2 ENERGY 25
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 26
APPENDICES 27
EPA 33/50 PROGRAM 28
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES 30
EPA GREEN LIGHTS PROGRAM & THE FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM 32
EPA ENERGY STAR® PROGRAM 34
FLUORESCENT TUBE AND BALLAST RECYCLING 35
POLLUTION PREVENTION INFORMATION SOURCES 37
EXHIBITS
2.1 SUMMARY OF FACILITIES ASSESSED 4
3.1 POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES IN POST OFFICES 9
,3.2 FEDERAL ENERGY POLICIES .14
3.3 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING TUBE RECYCLERS 18
3.4 EPA ESTABLISHED MINIMUM RECOVERED CONTENT LEVELS 22
VI
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Funding for this project was provided by the United State Postal Service under an interagency
agreement. Jim Bridges and Terri Hoagland of the EPA Office of Research and Development,
National Risk Management Research Laboratory managed the project and participated hi the
opportunity assessments. Special thanks are extended to Charlie Bravo and Bernie Denno of the
USPS Office of Environmental Management Policy, Bob Talarico and the staffs of the USPS
Post Offices in Bridgeville, Hickory, Houston, McDonald, Morgan and Washington, PA.
vil
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SECTION 1.0
INTRODUCTION
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively supporting the
development of pollution prevention program plans for Federal facilities. Since 1988, the EPA
has managed a technical support effort known as the Waste Reduction Evaluations at Federal
Sites (WREAFS) Program. WREAFS was established to provide pollution prevention solutions
to environmental issues through research, development and demonstration of pollution
prevention techniques and technologies, and transferring lessons learned within the Federal
community and related private sector support industries. WREAFS has conducted more than 37
separate RD&D efforts under funding from both EPA and nine other Federal departments and
agencies via interagency agreements.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) in cooperation with EPA's National Risk
Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) is engaged in an effort to integrate pollution
prevention and recycling activities into the waste management programs at postal facilities. The
purpose of this project is to perform pollution prevention opportunity assessments (PPOAs) at
Postal Service facilities, representing a cross-section of the USPS inventory, to identify the
pollution prevention opportunities for these facilities, recommend implementation strategies, and
develop facility guidance that can be incorporated into a revision of the USPS Waste Reduction
Guide.
This report describes the findings of the PPOA conducted for six United States Postal
Service Post Offices (POs) located in Bridgeville, Hickory, Houston, McDonald, Morgan and
Washington, PA. The site assessments were conducted during the week of June 12,1995.
The Assessment Team performed a multi-media assessment. Issues of concern included:
hazardous material acquisition, use and storage; hazardous waste storage and disposal; and
procurement and solid waste management, including recycling. The report begins with a brief
description of each facility. This is followed by descriptions of specific operations and the
wastes and emissions generated. The report makes recommendations that may lead to the
elimination, reduction, or improved management of the facility's waste streams. Mention of
trade names, commercial products, or vendors does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
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1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
The Assessment Team visited six USPS Post Offices located southwest of Pittsburgh,
PA. The McDonald, Morgan and Bridgeville Post Offices are located in Allegheny County and
the Hickory, Houston and Washington Post Offices are located in Washington County.
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SECTION 2.0
FACILITY DESCRIPTIONS
This section briefly describes each facility, the operations performed, and the wastes and
emissions generated by those operations. Exhibit 2.1 provides a summary of information on the
six facilities.
2.1 POST OFFICES
2.1.1 McDonald. PA
The Post Office in McDonald, PA is a 5,331 sq. ft. USPS-owned facility staffed by 19
employees. The main floor of the building has a small customer service area, separate
Postmaster's office, a mail sorting area, a supply storage area and a small loading dock. Two air
conditioners are located on the main floor. The upper floor contains Postal Inspection Service
areas and a break room. The basement contains four rooms. One room is used to store grounds
maintenance equipment, including mowers, calcium chloride for snow/ice melting, snow tires for
the vehicles, and small amounts of oil and gasoline. The main basement room contains the gas:
fired furnace and hot water heater, as well as several containers of cleaning products and other
supplies. A third room is used as a forms storage area and the last room is used to store
miscellaneous equipment and supplies. This room contains several cabinets with numerous
containers of old paints containing xylene and toluene, cancellation inks, and other products.
Cleaning at the facility is performed by a contract cleaner three hours per day. The
Postmaster purchases all supplies for cleaning. The heating and air conditioning units are
serviced yearly by a local contractor. This office has seven vehicles and vehicle maintenance is
performed by the Vehicle Maintenance Facility (VMF) in Washington, PA on a regular schedule.
Minor repairs and maintenance are performed at a local service station. The vehicles are washed
once per month by a local contractor. The vehicles are cleaned in the parking lot and the wash
water drains to the local sewer system.
All wastes generated by this facility are placed in a six cubic-yard container. Although
the container is scheduled to be emptied every other week, it often is emptied weekly. No
recycling was occurring at the tune of the assessment. Yard waste is deposited in the waste
container.
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2.1.2 Bridgeville. PA
The Post Office in Bridgeville, PA is a 14,439 sq. ft. USPS-owned facility staffed by 43
full-time and 3 part-time employees. The main floor of the building has a customer service area,
Postmaster's office and administrative offices, a 5,000 sq. ft. mail sorting area, locker/break
rooms, storage closets and a loading dock. Upper areas contain chillers and blowers for the
building cooling and ventilation. The basement is divided into several rooms. One large room is
full of excess or old equipment such as shelves and sorting racks. One small room in this area is
locked and staff is unable to open it. Another room is used as a storage area for excess
equipment such as computers. Staff indicated that area POs send equipment to Bridgeville for
storage, since they have extra space. Other rooms contain old forms and supplies such as
cancellation ink. Leaking containers were noted hi several areas. Numerous containers of paints
and thinners, several of which contained toluene and xylene, were found in the flammable
materials cabinet hi the basement. One auto battery was found hi the basement. Commercial
pesticides also were present hi the facility, including ant and roach sprays, and wasp sprays.
Cleaning at the facility is performed by the maintenance staff. This office has 16 vehicles
(3 jeeps and 13 trucks). Additions of oil, gas line antifreeze, antifreeze, and windshield wiper
fluid are performed by maintenance staff once per week. Scheduled maintenance for the
vehicles, as well as major overhauls, are performed by the Pittsburgh VMF. Minor maintenance
is performed by a local service station. The vehicles are washed once per month by a local
contractor. Vehicles are washed in the parking lot and the wash water drams to the local sewer
system.
All wastes generated by this facility are placed hi a six cubic-yard container which is
emptied twice per week. No paper recycling was occurring at the tune of the assessment; two
aluminum can collection containers with built-in can crushers were located near the break rooms.
Toilet tissue and paper towels contained recycled content, although the purchasing agreement
does not specify it.
2.1.3 Morgan. PA
The Post Office hi Morgan, PA is a 1,836 sq. ft. USPS-leased office staffed by one full-
tune and one part-tune employee. The one story building has a small customer service area, a
combined office and mail sorting area, and a storage closet. All wastes generated by this facility
are placed in a six cubic-yard container that is emptied every week. Rental of this container is
shared with a landscape contractor, who shares the building. The Postmaster separates newsprint
and undeliverable bulk business mail (UBBM) and recycles it at the municipal recycling center
located hi an adjacent parking lot. No other recycling was occurring at the time of the
assessment. All cleaning products used hi this facility'are off-the-shelf items.
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2.1.4 Hickory. PA
The Post Office in Hickory, PA is a 585 sq. ft. USPS-leased office staffed by two full-
time and two part-time employees. The building is shared with other tenants and has a small
customer service area, a mail processing area, and storage area. All wastes generated by this
facility are placed in plastic bags and collected weekly by a local waste hauler. The USPS pays
for electricity, water, and waste collection and the landlord is responsible for heat and building
maintenance. This office generates approximately three linear feet of UBBM each week. The
UBBM is discarded with the other waste. At the time of the assessment, no recycling was
occurring. All cleaning products used hi this facility are off-the-shelf items.
2.1.5 Houston. PA
The Post Office in Houston, PA is a 3,850 sq. ft. USPS-leased office that is staffed by 10
full-tune employees. The one floor office has a small customer service area, Postmaster's office,
a mail sorting area, storage closet and a small back room that is used as a shipping and receiving
area. This office has three long life vehicles (LLV). The office generates approximately three
55-gallon drums of waste per week. The office is cleaned four tunes per week by a contract
cleaner. The storage room contained forms, paints and paint thinner, as well as cancellation inks,
motor oil for the LLVs and other supplies. An adjacent non-USPS machine shop causes a fairly
strong solvent smell hi the post office. Staff stated that they generate approximately 10 linear
feet of UBBM per week. UBBM is discarded with the solid waste. No recycling programs were
in place at the time of the assessment.
2.1.6 Washington. PA
The Post Office hi Washington, PA is a 51,885 square foot USPS-owned facility that
operates three shifts or tours and is staffed by 143 full-time employees. The upper floor of the
building has a customer service area, administrative offices, and training facilities. The lower
floor has a mail sorting area, several storage closets for supplies and excess equipment,
maintenance shop with a flammable materials cabinet, offices, a public bulk mail acceptance area
and a loading dock.
All wastes generated by this facility, with the exception of cardboard, UBBM, and some
aluminum cans, are placed hi an eight cubic-yard container scheduled to be emptied three times
per week. Some cardboard is collected hi metal mail transport equipment called OTRs for
donation to a local mission. Reusable sorting trays are broken down and staged for reuse. One
wire cage of UBBM is collected daily and shipped to the Pittsburgh General Mail Facility (GMF)
for recycling. Some aluminum cans are collected for recycling by individual employees. Pallets
are discarded into the waste container. Rags, purchased by the bale, are discarded after use.
One storage room contained a large quantity of excess equipment and shelving, as well as
several fire extinguishers. A review of the chemicals and cleaning products used revealed that
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most products used did not contain EPA 33/50 chemicals targeted for reduction. See the
appendices for further discussion of EPA 33/50 chemicals and ozone depleting substances.
Numerous paints and stains were found that contained xylene, toluene and methylene chloride.
One stainless steel cleaner had an unidentified chlorinated solvent. The maintenance staff had a
book of material safety data sheets (MSDS), however, this collection was clearly incomplete and
outdated. Several of the product MSDS indicated the presence of ozone depleting substances
(ODS) and EPA 33/50 chemicals.
This office has 36 mail delivery vehicles and one administrative vehicle. Maintenance
for the vehicles is performed by the VMF in Washington, PA on a regular schedule. The
vehicles are washed weekly and wastewater is directed to the sanitary sewer.
2.2 POST OFFICE WASTE GENERATING OPERATIONS
. The wastes generated by Post Offices are all very similar; the quantity varies according to
the size of the facility. POs vary in size and number of urban and rural delivery routes, but they
incorporate the same routine operations. The materials purchased and wastes generated by these
operations are consistent. The wastes generated by the POs include obsolete equipment and
supplies; corrugated cardboard; computer paper; white paper; mixed office paper, including
forms and envelopes; magazines; undeliverable bulk business mail; newsprint; employee wastes
including cans, bottles, wrappers, and food; fluorescent tubes; shrink/stretch wrap, plastic
strapping, and plastic, pressboard, and wood pallets. The basic PO functions are described
below.
2.2.1 Administration
Administrative activities are located hi an office where staff maintain mail processing and
delivery records; purchase, receive and track supplies; and oversee leases and contracts for
utilities and cleaning, grounds maintenance, recycling and disposal services.. Wastes generated
and/or managed by administration may include: pallets, shrink wrap, strapping, corrugated
cardboard, office and computer paper, toner cartridges, and fluorescent tubes and ballasts.
2.2.2 Facility and Equipment Maintenance
/
Facility maintenance includes all cleaning, maintenance and repair activities such as
changing air filters and grounds maintenance. Vehicle maintenance is performed off-site, but
routine fluid replacement and vehicle washing may be performed at an PO. Larger facilities may
use automated mail processing equipment that requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
Wastes may include: cleaning chemicals and containers, rags, solvents, paint, filters, wash water,
leaves and grass, and employee wastes such as food and beverage containers.
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2.2.3 Customer Service
Customer service may include sales of stamps, envelopes, boxes, and postal money
orders as well as receiving and distribution of letters, flats, and packages. Wastes generated in
customer service activities may include small quantities of corrugated cardboard, paper, plastic
film, and containers from cancellation inks. Renters of postal boxes and other customers may
utilize waste containers located in the lobby to discard unwanted mail, including paper,
newsprint and magazines, as well as food and beverage containers and other wastes.
2.2.4 Mail Sorting
Carriers receive mail in trays and sort it by zip code and route prior to delivery. This
sorting activity generates shrink wrap, plastic strapping, labels, office paper and computer
printouts. Carriers also may discard food and beverage containers at the sorting station.
2.2.5 Mail Delivery
After completing the delivery route, carriers return undeliverable bulk business mail,
magazines and newsprint to the Post Office for appropriate management.
8
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SECTION 3.0
POST OFFICE POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES
This section describes pollution prevention opportunities specific to the operations of
Post Offices. Exhibit 3.1 provides an overview of significant Post Office waste streams, and
appropriate pollution prevention opportunities. The appendices provide additional sources of
pollution prevention information.
EXHIBIT 3.1 POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES IN POST OFFICES
Waste
Paper: computer print-out,
white/mixed office
Paper: UBBM, magazines and
newsprint
Corrugated cardboard
Plastic film
Plastic strapping
Pallets
Products containing 33/50 chemicals
Cleaning supplies
Leaves, grass and yard trimmings
Toner cartridges
Fluorescent tubes and ballasts
Food and beverage containers
Obsolete, damaged or defective
equipment
Current Practices
Discarded as waste
Typically discarded, hauled for
recycling by larger offices
Typically discarded, larger
facilities recycle
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded as waste
Discarded or sold as scrap
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
Affirmative procurement, Reduce
paper use, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce incoming quantity
Reuse
Recycle
Reduce incoming corrugated
Recover and recycle
Reduce incoming material
Seek recycling option
Seek recycling option
Reuse
Recycle
Alternative products
Product exchange
Non- or less- toxic substitutes
Leave grass cuttings on lawn
Compost
Remanufacture and reuse
Recycle .
Recycle
Repair and reuse
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3.1 CARDBOARD
Current Conditions
One of the largest waste streams generated at the Post Offices is corrugated cardboard.
Cardboard is generated from deliveries of supplies as well as movement of mail and discarded
letter trays. Five of the six Post Offices visited discard corrugated cardboard in their waste
container. The sixth facility donates cardboard to a local mission. The USPS environmental
coordinator for the Pittsburgh district stated that they are in the process of developing a system to
ship old corrugated cardboard (OCC) to a central location for recycling. At the time of the
assessment, however, this practice was established hi approximately 25 larger offices and it had
not been expanded to include the smaller offices.
Pol lution Prevention Opportunities
1. Reduce quantity of corrugated cardboard
Encourage suppliers to deliver products hi reusable containers and identify opportunities
to reuse cardboard. Make cardboard boxes available to customers for reuse.
2. Establish Corrugated Cardboard Recycling Programs
Each PO should establish a corrugated cardboard source separation policy, designate
containers for cardboard only and train all employees to maintain separation of OCC for
recycling. Since the quantity of cardboard at individual POs is small, local haulers or
recyclers may ask the USPS to designate a central cardboard accumulation point to
coordinate OCC recycling. OCC from smaller offices may be brought to the
accumulation point for collection by a local recycler or hauled to the Pittsburgh GMF for
recycling.
3.2 PAPER
Current Conditions
Paper at POs is typically discarded as waste. Two of the six POs visited are collecting
UBBM for recycling. Washington separated UBBM and hauled it to the Pittsburgh GMF for
recycling. In Morgan, the Postmaster was recycling the UBBM through a municipal paper
recycling program.
10
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Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Adopt Paper Waste Reduction Techniques
Before initiating an enhanced recycling program, facility managers and staff should adopt
and promote a variety of techniques to prevent or reduce the quantity of paper generated
for disposal.
• Establish a duplex copying policy for all multi-page documents and provide staff
training in the use of the double-sided function on copying equipment. As
equipment is replaced, specify easy to use, rapid, duplex capability.
• In office settings, expand and encourage the use of electronic mail rather than
paper memos and distribution copies.
• Limit distribution lists. If paper copies are necessary, circulate one memo or
report with a cover sheet indicating distribution.
• Identify opportunities to reuse paper and paper products. Corrugated cardboard
boxes, jiffy bags, manila envelopes and other packaging materials are reusable for
their original function; paper can be turned over and used as scratch paper or
made into message pads.
• Encourage staff to proofread on screen and save information on disks rather than
as paper file copies.
2. Promote Reuse and Recycling of Paper and Paper Products
Take advantage of opportunities to recycle. Identify and participate in community
recycling programs. Bring recyclable paper and paper products to a local paper recycler
or a community drop-off location. If curbside collection of recyclable paper is offered,
determine whether an PO can participate. Perhaps another commercial entity would be
willing to add the PO's paper to then- recycling effort. Provide a separate container for
recyclable paper in the lobby and encourage customer participation.
3. Establish waste hauling contracts that include recycling services
When establishing new waste hauling contracts, POs should require separate collection of
recyclable paper and obtain certification of recycling.
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3.3 UBBM
Current Conditions
USPS bulk mail policies and support services to bulk mailers contribute to the quantity of
undeliverable bulk business mail (UBBM), including magazines and newsprint, in the USPS
waste stream. Current USPS policy promotes recycling of UBBM; a policy promoting UBBM
reduction is not under consideration. UBBM constitutes a substantial input into the PO
wastestream and the USPS incurs significant costs to process, transport, deliver and dispose of
UBBM. ;
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. To determine whether reduction or recycling is the most cost effective management
practice for UBBM, the USPS should perform a cost analysis to compare the combined
revenues from bulk mailing and recycling of UBBM to the costs associated with sorting,
handling, transporting and processing undeliverable mail and associated packaging.
2. To reduce the quantity of UBBM managed by postal facilities, the USPS could expand its
mailing list maintenance service. Annual mailing list updates, particularly for third and
fourth class mail, could be integrated into the bulk mail permitting process.
3. At a minimum, the Pittsburgh district should begin to recycle UBBM to avoid the
disposal costs and potentially earn revenue. Many areas have initiated programs to
collect UBBM, magazines and newsprint at a central location by integrating hauling of
UBBM into the existing mail transportation system. A separate transportation system to
move UBBM from POs to an accumulation point will increase costs and environmental
impacts.
3.4 RECYCLING OF OTHER MATERIALS
Current Conditions
Metals, wood pallets and other recyclable materials are typically deposited in the waste
container.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Consolidate metals and excess equipment. Evaluate potential for repair and reuse.
Consult with the area environmental coordinator to determine whether the metals must be
sold at auction or can be offered to a local metals dealer for recycling. There are a
number of repair, reuse or recycling options for computer equipment.
12
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2. Set up recycling bins for other recyclable materials
Separate metal food and beverage containers and establish a recycling option for these
materials.
3. Identify local pallet refurbishers. Collect pallets and consolidate at a single location for
recycling.
3.5 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Current Conditions
Vehicle maintenance generally is performed off-site by either USPS Vehicle Maintenance
Facilities or local, private service stations.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. POs should enter into written agreements with private service stations maintaining USPS
vehicles. The agreement should specify compliance with USPS environmental standards
including recovery and recycling of used oil, antifreeze, and oil filters and procurement of
re-refined oils and retread tires.
3.6 VEHICLE WASHING
Current Conditions
Local contractors or staff at POs wash USPS vehicles in the parking lot, with little or no
attention to run-off of wash water and detergents.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Consider washing vehicles at an off-site installation that recovers and reuses wash water.
2. Read the labels on vehicle washing detergent products. Evaluate the toxicity and pH of
the product and the impacts of wastewater discharge to the sanitary sewer.
3.7 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Current Conditions
Each PO generates small quantities of leaves, grass and yard trimmings. Many dispose of
these wastes with the trash. Some POs use mulching mowers and leave grass clippings to
decompose in place.
13
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Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Small quantities of leaves and yard trimmings can be composted on-site in a simple
container. Minimal management includes turning the material occasionally to reduce the
temperature and increase oxygenation. The finished compost can be applied to lawns and
shrubs as a soil amendment. Local farms or community compost operations may provide
alternative composting sites.
2. Grass clippings may be left on the lawn.
3.8 LIGHTING AND ENERGY
Current Conditions
The Federal government is a major consumer of energy, using more than two percent of
all energy consumed hi the United States. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Executive Order
12902 require Federal agencies to reduce energy consumption per gross square foot 20 percent
by the year 2000 and 30 percent by the year 2005. While the USPS is not an Executive Agency,
policy requires compliance with Executive Orders to the maximum extent feasible. Both
reductions are from a 1985 baseline. In addition, Federal agencies must conduct comprehensive
energy audits and install cost-effective energy conservation measures; agencies are encouraged to
audit 10 percent of then- facilities each year, using "no-cost" audits where practicable. These
requirements are summarized in Exhibit 3.2.
EXHIBIT 3.2 FEDERAL ENERGY POLICIES
Energy Policy Act Of 1992
Reduce energy consumption per gross square foot 10
percent by 1995 (1985 baseline)
Reduce energy consumption per gross square foot 20
percent by 2000 (1985 baseline)
Conduct comprehensive facility audits and install
cost-effective energy conservation measures
In Federally owned buildings, install all energy and
water conservation measures that have payback
periods of less than 10 years
Executive Order 12902
Reduce energy consumption per gross square foot 30
percent by 2005 (1985 baseline)
Reduce energy consumption per gross square foot 20
percent in industrial facilities by 2005 (1990 baseline)
Conduct surveys and comprehensive audits
Implement recommendations for energy efficiency,
water conservation and renewable energy that have
payback periods of less than 10 years
14
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Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Increase the Use of Motion Sensitive Lighting
Motion sensitive lighting was not used in any of the POs visited. The PO staff should
review the lighting plans and install motion sensitive lighting in infrequently used areas.
2. Establish a "Lights Out" Policy
Turning off lights and equipment when not needed prolongs their useful life, thus
reducing disposal. In addition, each kilowatt hour saved prevents the formation of air
pollutants, including 0.68 kg of carbon dioxide, 5.8 g of sulfur dioxide and 2.5 g of
nitrogen oxides. Establish a policy of turning off lights and equipment when leaving an
area. Where machine design permits, turn photocopiers to low power when not hi use.
3. Technical Assistance from Green Lights Program
USEPA operates Green Lights, a voluntary, non-regulatory program promoting pollution
prevention through the installation of energy efficient lighting. Federal partners agree to
upgrade lighting to maximize energy savings wherever it is profitable. The Green Lights
program benefits participants by lowering electricity bills, improving lighting quality, and
increasing worker productivity. Energy efficiency also reduces the quantity of pollutants
released hi the generation of electricity. For example, EPA estimates that if Green Lights
were fully implemented, where profitable, in the United States, it would save over 65
million kilowatts of electricity annually, reducing the national electric bill by $ 16 billion
per year. The program would also result in reductions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide,
and nitrogen oxides equivalent to 12 percent of U.S. utility emissions, curbing acid rain
and smog and helping to slow the greenhouse effect. See the appendices for additional!
information on the Green Lights program.
4. Procure computers that meet Energy Star requirements
Future computer equipment purchases should specify equipment that is energy efficient.
Executive Order 12845 requires Federal agencies to purchase computer equipment that
meets EPA Energy Star requirements for energy efficiency. The EPA Energy Star
Program is a voluntary partnership with the computer industry to promote energy-
efficient personal computers, monitors and printers. Participating companies have
committed to develop computer equipment that powers down when not in use. The
"sleep" feature cuts energy use by 50 to 75 percent. Energy Star also includes a category
for controlling devices, external retrofit products that reduce the energy consumption of
existing computer equipment by automatically turning them off when not in use. The
Federal Supply Service offers a product called the Intelligent Energy Saver, a PC add-on
device that controls electrical power to the PC and its peripherals. The complete PC
15
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system can be powered on and off at user-defined dates and times. See the appendices for
additional information on the Energy Star Program.
3.9 FLUORESCENT LIGHTING TUBES
Current Conditions
The POs are typically lighted with fluorescent tubes. All of the facilities assessed discard
fluorescent tubes into the solid waste container. None of the offices were using motion sensitive
lights.
USPS Memorandum for Managers, Operations Support, dated December 16,1994 states
that "Under no circumstances should [fluorescent] lamps be mechanically crushed or ground into
smaller pieces. This method of disposal increases the exposure of hazardous materials to both
employees and the environment Lamps should be boxed prior to disposal."
Fluorescent lights are one of the most energy efficient lighting sources available.
However, fluorescent lighting tubes contain mercury, which is used as an element to conduct the
flow of the electric current. Historically, fluorescent lighting tubes were discarded into landfills.
When the tubes broke, mercury was released to the environment. This potential hazard caused
many states to classify fluorescent lighting tubes as hazardous waste and require that they be
managed in accordance with applicable hazardous waste laws and regulations.
Recycling spent fluorescent lighting tubes offers an environmentally sound alternative to
expensive hazardous waste disposal. Additionally, recycling may relieve the generator of future
liability concerns associated with tube disposal. Several companies provide recycling services
for spent fluorescent lighting tubes and some of these companies also accept ballasts, a
component of the light fixture. Ballasts manufactured prior to 1980 contain polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), which also present disposal problems. However, ballasts produced after 1980
do not contain PCBs. According to Ron Newman of A-TEC Recycling, the useful life of ballasts
is approximately 15 years.
Some states allow ballasts that do not contain PCBs to be disposed of in sanitary landfills.
However, according to Stephanie Small of DYNEX Environmental, Inc., non-PCB ballasts
contain diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP). Evidence indicates that DEHP is a human carcinogen.
Due to either the PCBs or DEHP content, Ms. Small recommends that customers manage all
ballasts as hazardous.
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Pollution Prevention Opportunities
•**•
1. Establish Fluorescent Tube Recycling Program
Store expired bulbs in boxes in a safe area. USPS facilities should ship expired bulbs to
an approved facility for recycling of glass, metals, and mercury. Since each PO generates
a small quantity of fluorescent tubes, they should be collected at a central location for
recycling.
Exhibit 3.3 provides information on the specific services offered by companies that
provide fluorescent tube recycling services, the current cost of the services and the
geographic area serviced by each company. For further information on fluorescent tubes
and ballasts, see the appendices.
17
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3.10 AFFIRMATIVE PROCUREMENT
Current Conditions
The POs do not make it a standard practice to purchase items, such as paper, with
recycled content. Instead, most items purchased are made of virgin material. It appears that the
purchasing officials at the POs are unaware of USPS policy and federal legislation requiring the
purchase of materials with recovered content. The United States Postal Service Waste Reduction
Guide (AS552, February, 1992) directs Requiring offices to "review purchase specifications to
eliminate prohibitions or limitations on use of recovered materials" and to modify specifications
to encourage use of recycled products. Current supplies of printing, duplicating and computer
paper at the POs do not contain any recovered content.
Section 6002 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) directs Federal
agencies to purchase "items composed of the highest percentage of recovered materials
practicable." In 1995, EPA published the Comprehensive Guideline for Procurement of Products
Containing Recovered Materials (60 FR 21370, May 1,1995) providing requirements for
procurement of seven categories of products including paper and paper products, vehicular
products, construction products, transportation products, park and recreation products,
landscaping products and non-paper office products. Items of particular interest to the USPS
include printing and writing papers, re-refined lubricating oil, engine coolant, trash bags, toner
cartridges, binders and desktop accessories. These guidelines provide information about the
recommended percentage of recovered material, product availability and performance, and
specification language.
In Executive Order 12873, October 22,1993, President Clinton directs agencies to
develop and implement affirmative procurement programs for all EPA guideline items and
ensure that these programs require that 100 percent of their purchases of products meet or exceed
the EPA guideline standards. Although the Postal Service is not an Executive Agency, USPS
Policy is to comply with Executive Orders whenever feasible.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Purchase products with recycled content and train staff
The POs should establish preference programs and adopt specifications for the purchase
of products made with the percentages of recovered materials specified in USEPA
Guidelines. The United States General Services Administration (GSA) catalog has
special sections for environmentally sound products, such as paper with recycled content.
These items are highlighted in green throughout the catalog. The purchasing official
should adopt as standard practice the purchase of items with the highest amount of
recycled content. Changes hi the procurement system will create staff training
opportunities and staff will need training on Federal affirmative procurement
20
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requirements. Exhibit 3.4 presents products for which EPA has established minimum
recovered content levels.
EPA has developed availability lists providing reference to manufacturers and vendors of
the items designated in the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. These lists will be
updated periodically as new sources are identified and EPA becomes aware of changes in
product content and availability. To assist procuring agencies, the lists are available at no
charge by calling EPA's RCRA Hotline at (800) 424-9346
GSA publishes an Environmental Products Guide, which lists items available through Its
Federal Supply Service. This guide, formerly the Recycled Products Guide, has been
prepared to assist Federal civilian and military agencies to identify environmentally
oriented products and services available through the supply system of the General
Services Administration's Federal Supply Service. The guide contains information about
more than 2,900 such items from GSA's supply system. In the general category of
recycled content paper products alone, there are more than 900 entries. Some of these
items contain 100 percent post-consumer recovered materials and all meet or exceed
guideline requirements established by the Environmental Protection Agency. This
publication is available to Federal agencies at no cost from the GSA Centralized Mailing
List Service in Fort Worth, Texas 76115, (817) 334-5215.
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EXHIBIT 3.4 EPA ESTABLISHED MINIMUM RECOVERED CONTENT LEVELS
Category/Product
Percent Recovered Content
Paper
High grade bleached printing and writing paper
Mimeo and duplicator paper
Computer paper
Envelopes
20%
20%
20%
20%
Tissue Products
Toilet tissue
Paper towels
Paper napkins
Facial tissue
20-100%
40-100%
30-100%
10-100%
Unbleached packaging
Corrugated boxes
25-50%
Vehicular Products
Lubricating Oil (re-refined oil)
Tires
25%
retread tires
Construction Products
Fiberglass (glass cullet)
Cellulose loose-fill and spray-on (postconsumer paper)
Structural fiberboards
Laminated paperboards
Cement and Concrete (coal fly ash)
Cement and Concrete (ground granulated blast furnace slag)
Polyester Carpet Face Fiber (PET resin)
Patio blocks (rubber or rubber blends)
Patio blocks (plastic or plastic blends)
Floor tiles (rubber)
Floor tiles (plastic)
20-25%
75%
80-100%
100%
0-40%
25-50%
25-100%
90-100%
90-100%
90-100%
90-100%
Transportation products
Traffic cones (PVC, LDPE, Crumb Rubber)
Traffic barricades (HOPE, LDPE, Pet Steel)
Traffic barricades (Fiberglass)
Park and Recreation Products
Playground surfaces (rubber or plastic)
Running tracks (rubber or plastic)
50-100%
80-100%
100%
90-100%
90-100%
Landscaping Products
Paper-based hydraulic mulch (postconsumer recovered paper)
Wood-based hydraulic mulch (recovered wood and/or paper)
100%
100%
Non-paper Office Products
Office recycling containers and waste receptacles (plastic)
Office recycling containers and waste receptacles (steel)
Plastic desktop accessories (polystyrene)
Plastic-covered binders (plastic)
Chipboard, paperboard, pressboard binders ;
Plastic trash bags
20-100%
25-100%
25-80%
25-50%
80%
10-100%
22
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In addition to the information provided by EPA and GSA, there are other
publicly-available sources of information about products containing recovered materials.
For example, the Official Recycled Products Guide (RPG) was established in March,
1989 to provide a broad range of information on recycled content products. Listings
include product, company name, address, contact, telephone, fax, type of company
(manufacturer or distributor), and minimum recycled content. Price information is not
included. The RPG is available on a subscription basis from American Recycling
Market, Inc., (800) 267-0707
The Defense General Supply Center hi Richmond, VA distributes the Environmentally
Preferred Products Catalog, which lists hundreds of environmentally preferable products
in its supply system, ranging from aqueous degreasers to remanufactured laser printer
toner cartridges. Environmentally preferable means products and services that have less
or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing
products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw
materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse,
operation, maintenance or disposal of the product or service. For more information about
environmentally-preferable products, call or write:
Defense General Supply Center
Attn. Marketing Office
8000 Jefferson Davis Highway
Richmond, VA 23297-5762
1-800-848-4847
3.11 ELIMINATION OF EPA 33/50 CHEMICALS
Current Conditions
The POs visited used products that contained chemical constituents targeted for reduction
or elimination. Several of the POs had paints containing toluene and xylene on the shelf.
Pollution Prevention Opportunities
1. Evaluate the contents of all flammable cabinets and storage closets
Each PO staff should perform an inventory of all cabinets used for storage of flammable
materials and all storage areas to determine if materials are old, expired, or no longer
needed by an operation. Remove expired products, products with constituents on the
EPA 33/50 list, products without labels and products that are no longer useful. Expired
products should be properly disposed. Consult with the Pittsburgh District environmental
coordinator for proper disposal options for these products and their containers.
2. Area-wide exchange program
23
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Products with chemical constituents of concern should be used or made available to other
USPS facilities for use. Consider a district or area-wide exchange program for unwanted
products or products approaching expiration.
3. Change procurement specifications
Future purchases should specify less or non-toxic alternative products.
4. Inventory management
After completing evaluation and elimination of products and equipment that are no longer
useful, PO staff should establish a policy to purchase only what the facility needs and will
use within a reasonable time. POs should establish first in-first out management of
cleaning products, pesticides, paints and inks.
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SECTION 4.0
IMPLEMENTATION OF RECYCLING AND ENERGY USE REDUCTION
4.1 RECYCLING
Since April, 1995,19 percent of the Pittsburgh area Post Offices have implemented
recycling of UBBM, white paper, corrugated cardboard and aluminum cans. Subsequent to this
assessment, all of the POs described hi this report are recycling these commodities.
The program utilizes scheduled USPS vehicles to haul recyclables to concentration
points. UBBM and white paper are placed into designated recycling sacks with distinctive green
tags. In September, 1995, the recycler was paying the USPS $100 per ton for UBBM, $292 per
ton for white paper, $175 per ton for loose corrugated and $195 per ton for baled corrugated
cardboard. Avoided disposal costs combined with revenues from the sales of paper and paper
products produced savings for the USPS of $10,000 hi the second month of the program.
4.2 ENERGY
In five test facilities, the USPS has installed simplified controls and a "smart" device for
the heating and cooling units. The "smart" device measures and maintains a comfort range for
interior temperature. During a six month period, the test facilities realized a 20-22 percent
reduction hi energy use with associated cost savings.
25
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SECTION 5.0
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessment report documents the processes
performed, wastes generated and current waste management practices at six USPS Post Offices
southwest of Pittsburgh, PA. During the assessment process, the Assessment Team identified
opportunities to reduce both the quantity and toxicity of the wastes generated by this facility and
recommended techniques for implementation of those pollution prevention options. The
opportunities described in the previous sections constitute the recommendations of the
Assessment Team. Exhibit 3.1 present a summary of the major recommendations.
Dissemination of this report will encourage application of the pollution prevention
opportunities hi USPS Post Offices nationwide, as well as in other Federal facilities with similar
operations.
26
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APPENDICES
27
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EPA 33/50 PROGRAM
The 33/50 Program, one of EPA's Partners for the Environment Program, began in the late 1980s
as a voluntary program to reduce toxic emissions of seventeen high priority chemicals reported
on the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). These high priority chemicals, chosen because of their
relative toxicities, volumes of use, and potential for reduction through pollution prevention
include: |
> Benzene * Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
*• Cadmium and compounds »• Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
> Carbon tetrachloride > Nickel and compounds
*• Chloroform > Tetrachloroethylene
> Cyanide compounds > Toluene
>• Dichloromethane i > 1,1,1-trichloroethane
* Lead and compounds > Trichloroethylene
'»• Mercury and compounds > Xylenes
The 33/50 Program gets its name from the original goals to reduce the 17 priority chemicals by
33% by 1992 and by 50% by 1995. U.S. EPA celebrated the early achievement of the 50%
reduction goal hi September 1996, when the 1994 Toxic Release Inventory data became
available for public release. Between 1988 and 1994,33/50 Program participants reduced
environmental releases and off-site transfers of the 17 target chemicals by 757 million pounds.
Companies and organizations participate in the 33/50 Program by submitting a letter to EPA
stating then* intention to participate and outlining their reduction targets and strategies. More
than 1,300 parent companies operating about 6,000 facilities in the U.S. have participated in the
33/50 Program.
For more information about the participation in the EPA 33/50 Program, contact EPA's TSCA
Assistance Hotline at (202) 554-1404. Or contact the 33/50 Program staff directly at:
33/50 Program (Mail Code 7408)
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics ;
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street
Washington DC 20460
Phone:202-260-7538
POC: Ms. Chris Tirpak
Email: tirpak.chris@epamail.epa.gov
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Information on the 33/50 Program is also available on-line through the Enviro$en$e web site:
http://es.inel.gov/partners/3350/3350.html. This web site contains background information on
the 33/50 program, including history and accomplishments. It includes a series of documents
related to the 33/50 program that can be accessed directly from the web.site.
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OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES
The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on earth from exposure to dangerous levels of
ultraviolet light. When CFCs and other ozone-degrading chemicals are released into the
atmosphere, they will eventually rise to the stratosphere where they destroy the protective ozone
layer. This destruction is occurring at a more rapid rate than ozone can be created through
natural processes. Destruction of the ozone layer leads to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation
reaching Earth's surface. This can lead to higher incidences of skin cancer, cataracts, and
weakened immune systems. It is also expected to reduce both crop yields and ocean
productivity.
The U.S., hi cooperation with over 140 other countries, is phasing out the production of
ozone-depleting substances. In 1985, the Vienna Convention was adopted to formalize
international cooperation in stratospheric ozone protection. Additional efforts resulted hi the •
signing of the Montreal Protocol hi 1987. In the United States, Title VI of the Clean Air
Amendments of 1990 addresses the phase out of ozone-depleting substances.
There are two classes of ozone depleting substances. A Class I substance, as defined in section
602 of the Clean Air Act, is any chemical with an ozone-depleting potential of 0.2 or greater
(based on CFC-11 having a ozone depleting potential of 1.0). Class I substances (CFCs, carbon
tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform) were phased out of production by the end of 1995 and
halons were phased out by the end of 1993. Class II substances, hydrochlorofluorocarbons
(HCFCs), will be phased out of production and use by the year 2030. Accelerated phase outs of
the most damaging Class II substances include HCFC-141b (by January 1,2003), and CFC-142b
and HCFC-22 (by January 1,2010).
To address the availability of approved alternatives to ozone-depleting substances, the EPA's
Office of Stratospheric Protection was mandated to establish the Significant New Alternatives
Policy (SNAP) Program. The purpose of the SNAP Program is to identify alternatives to
ozone-depleting substances and to publish lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes.
Information on the SNAP Program is available through the Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at (800)
296-1996.
Executive Order 12843, Procurement Requirements and Policies for Federal Agencies for
Ozone-Depleting Substances, signed in 1993, requires Federal agencies to comply with Title VI
of the Clean Air Act Amendments dealing with stratospheric ozone protection, to maximize the
use of safe alternatives to ozone-depleting substances, and to revise procurement practices to
eliminate the requirement for ozone-depleting substances.
The best source of technical, policy, and substitute chemical information is the U.S. EPA's
Stratospheric Ozone World Wide Web Home Page: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/index.html
This web site contains information on the science of ozone depletion, substitutes for ozone
depleting substances, international policy, and links to other sources of information. It can be
30
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used as a "jumping off' point for a wide variety of information related to ozone depletion
available on the World Wide Web.
The U.S. EPA Office of Stratospheric Protection also operates the Stratospheric Ozone Hotline at
(800) 296-1996. It can be accessed between 10am and 4pm EST. They can field any technical
or policy related questions on elimination of ozone depleting substances at U.S. Postal Service
facilities.
The mailing address for the Office of Stratospheric Protection is:
Office of Stratospheric Protection
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 6205J
401MSt.,SW
Washington, DC 20460
Enviro$en$e also has access to several material substitution databases. Then* World Wide Web
address is:
http://es.inel.gov
Select "Solvent Substitution Data Systems" for links to several material substitution databases
including those that specialize in solvents with ozone depleting ingredients.
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EPA GREEN LIGHTS PROGRAM & THE FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM (FEMP)
The Green Lights Program in a voluntary pollution prevention program that encourages the use
of energy-efficient lighting. It is one of the several ENERGY STAR® Programs sponsored by
the U.S. EPA's Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division.
The purpose of the Green Lights Program is to encourage organizations to install energy-efficient
lighting to prevent the creation of air pollution including greenhouse gases, acid rain emissions,
air toxics, and tropospheric ozone, as well as prevent the generation of solid waste and muumize
other environmental impacts of electricity generation.
Green Lights partners agree to install energy efficient lighting where it is profitable as long as
lighting quality is maintained or improved. Participants realize average rates of return on their
initial investment of 30 per cent or more. Most reduce their lighting electricity bill by more than
half while maintaining and often improving lighting quality.
Federal regulations and directives require Federal agencies to reduce energy use. Section 543 of
the National Energy Conservation Policy Act, as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 1992,
requires each agency to achieve a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption in its Federal
buildings by FY1995, when measured against a FY 1985 baseline on a Btu per gross-square-foot
basis and a 20 percent reduction in Btu per gross-square-foot by FY 2000. In 1994, the
President signed Executive Order 12902, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation at Federal
Facilities, which requires Federal agencies to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by the
year 2005, based on the agency's 1985 energy use.
In response to these mandated requirements, the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy
Management Program was established to assist Federal agencies to reduce energy costs by
advancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of solar and other renewable
energy. FEMP accomplishes its mission by creating partnerships, leveraging resources,
transferring technology, and providing training and support. For information on the Federal
Energy Management Program contact the FEMP Help Desk at (800) DOE-EREC or the FEMP
Office at (202) 586-5772.
The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program has teamed up with the
EPA's Green Lights Program to assist Federal agencies to achieve the mandated energy
reductions.' A kick-off is planned in March 1997. The U.S. Postal Service is one of the first to
sign up to this new collaborative effort as a pilot agency. For more information, contact Rob
White, National Marketing Director for Green Lights and ENERGY STAR® Buildings, at (202)
233-9242.
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EPA provides a range of Participant Support Programs to help Green Lights members obtain
information on energy-efficient lighting technology, financing options, software analysis tools,
and public recognition opportunities.
For more information about the Green Lights Program, contact:
Manager, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division
U.S. EPA
401 M Street SW(6202J)
Washington DC 20460
Tel: (202) 233-9190
Toll Free: (888) STAR-YES '
Fax:(202)233-9569
Fax-back system: (202) 233-9659.
The Green Lights World Wide Web Home Page is at:
Green Lights Home Page
http://www.epa.gov/greenlights.html
This web site includes general information about the Green Lights program, manuals and
publications, software tools, and other technical information.
The Federal Energy Management Program Home Page is at:
Federal Energy Management Program Home Page
http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp/
This web site provides news, technical assistance, project financing information, and
procurement information to assist Federal agencies achieve the mandated energy use reductions.
U.S. Postal Service participates as a member of the Federal Interagency Energy Management
Task Force. Contact Mr. Bernie Denno, Environmental Programs Analyst, at (202) 268-6014 for
specific information on U.S. Postal Service involvement hi FEMP and Green Lights Programs.
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EPA ENERGY STAR® PROGRAM
The ENERGY STAR® Program is a voluntary pollution prevention program aimed at reducing
energy consumption to help to combat smog, acid rain, and climate change through decreased
emissions from electricity generation. It includes programs aimed at homes, residential HVAC,
office products, buildings, and lighting. Programs of interest to the U.S. Postal Service include:
i
*• Office Products. The EPA ENERGY STAR® Office Equipment program is a partnership
with the office equipment industry to promote energy-efficient personal computers, monitors,
printers, fax machines, and copiers. In 1993, an Executive Order 12845 was issued requiring
all U.S. Federal agencies to purchase ENERGY STAR® computers, monitors and printers.
»• Buildings. EPA's ENERGY STAR® Buildings program is a voluntary energy-efficiency
program for U.S. commercial buildings. Partners can expect to reduce total building energy
consumption by 30% on average.
For more information about the ENERGY STAR® Program, contact:
ENERGY STAR® Programs
U.S. EPA Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division ' -
401 M Street SW(6202J)
Washington DC 20460
POC: Ms. Jeanne Birskin, Chief, ENERGY STAR® Programs
Tel: (202) 233-9190
Toll Free: (888) STAR-YES
Fax:(202)233-9569
Fax-back system: (202) 233-9659.
The ENERGY STAR® World Wide Web Home Page is at:
ENERGY STAR® Home Page
http://www.epa.gov/energystar.html
This web page contains news and information on all of the ENERGY STAR® initiatives.
The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division also prepares a newsletter, The Update, which
communicates events, highlights, and news affecting Green Lights and ENERGY STAR®
program participants. It is available on-line through the ENERGY STAR® Home Page.
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FLUORESCENT TUBE AND BALLAST RECYCLING
Fluorescent tubes and lighting ballasts contain hazardous constituents that can make then-
handling and disposal problematic. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which under Federal
regulations, may be subject to hazardous waste regulations if deemed hazardous by the Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) (40 CFR 261). Fluorescent lamp ballasts may
contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Ballasts manufactured before 1979 will contain
PCBs,, while those manufactured after 1979 should contain a label stating "NO PCBs." If there
is no label, you should assume that it contains PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts that are intact and
are not leaking can be disposed hi a municipal solid waste landfill hi properly packed and sealed
55-gallon drums (40 CFR 761). Again, municipal disposal of PCB-contaminated waste poses
potential liabilities to the generator.
Individual states may have other specific regulatory requirements governing the disposal of
fluorescent tubes. However, hi most cases fluorescent tubes can be legally handled and disposed
as municipal solid waste, creating a potential liability to the waste generator. To minimize
potential environmental impacts, fluorescent tubes can be recycled. The mercury containing
material can be extracted, while the remaining glass and metal parts can be recycled. This
eliminates mercury going to the landfill, while decreasing the volume of solid waste disposal
through recycling.
Before disposing of fluorescent tubes or lighting ballasts, you should contact your state or local
regulatory agency for specific handling and disposal requirements. They may also have
information on fluorescent tube recycling in your state or area. Consult your local telephone
directory for phone numbers.
For information on Federal requirements, contact the following:
Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA/Superfund/Right-to-Know Hotline
Phone: (800) 424-9346 or (703) 412-9810 in the Washington DC area.
Request documents such as EPA Fact Sheet: Options for Disposal of Lights that Contain
Mercury and Lighting Waste Disposal, a general document published by the EPA's Green Lights
Program on best management practices that includes recycling. Memorandums on the subject
are also available through the fax-on-demand system. Dial (202) 651-2060 from the fax phone
receiver, press 1 to order documents, press 11906 and 11907 (press 1 to confirm ordering each
document), press # to finish ordering, then press start on your fax machine.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Hotline
Phone: (202)554-1404
Request regulatory guidance on the management and disposal of ballasts that contain PCBs.
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Several fact sheets are available over the World Wide Web that contain background information
as well as lists of fluorescent tube and lighting ballast recyclers:
U.S. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence, PRO-ACT
http://www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/pro-act/maui/proact4.htm
Select "Fact Sheets" from Home Page menu. Information in the PRO-ACT web site is public
domain. However, telephone inquiries and requests for research or information are only
available to Air Force users.
Enviro$en$e
http.V/es.mel.gov/techinfo/facts/lanips-fs.htnil
Fact sheet on disposal of spent fluorescent light tubes, developed by the Department of Public
Works, City of Los Angeles. Contains a list of additional resources.
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POLLUTION PREVENTION INFORMATION SOURCES
Pollution prevention information sources are widespread. There are Federal-, state-, regional,
and even local sources of pollution prevention information. At the Federal level, the U.S. EPA
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) distributes a variety of pollution prevention
information and oversees several pollution prevention initiatives. They publish the Pollution
Prevention News, available in hard copy or through the U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention Home
Page (see below for URL). OPPT also operates the Pollution Prevention Information
Clearinghouse (PPIC). It is a free, non-regulatory service which provides telephone reference
and referral, document distribution for selected EPA documents, and a special collection
available for interlibrary loan. Publications available from PPIC are listed on the U.S. EPA
Pollution Prevention Home Page (see below for URL).
Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC)
Phone: 202-260-1023 (8:30 AM to 4:00 PMEST)
Fax: 202-260-4659
E-Mail: ppic@epamail.epa.gov
Mail: Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse
Environmental Protection Agency, MC 7409
401 M Street, SW
Washington, B.C. 20460
EPA Contact: Beth Anderson 202-260-2602
When calling PPIC for the first time, request a listing of all available documents. A more useful
document for the first tune user is the Pollution Prevention Directory (EPA/742/B-94/005)
which identifies Federal, state, regional, and commercially-available pollution prevention
resources.
Some of the more popular World Wide Web starting points for Federal, state, and regional
pollution prevention information include the following:
U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention Home Page
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/p2home/
This web site provides general information on pollution prevention, pollution prevention
initiatives, and links to other pollution prevention-related web sites.
Enviro$en$e
http://es.inel.gov/
Enviro$en$e is a "one-stop" repository for pollution prevention, compliance assurance, and
enforcement information and data bases. Included are pollution prevention case studies,
technologies, points of contact, environmental statutes, executive orders, regulations, and
compliance and enforcement policies and guidelines. Enviro$en$e has numerous links to other
Federal, regional, state, industry and academic pollution prevention resources. Enviro$en$e is an
excellent "jumping off' point for additional pollution prevention information available on-line.
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Defense Environmental Network & Information Exchange (DENIX)
http://demx.cecer.army.mil/denix/public/public.htrnl
DENIX is a source of information for the Department of Defense agencies and other authorized
users. It has a public access menu which allows users from the public domain to obtain a variety
of environmental information. Under the "Public" web page, select "Library" then "Pollution
Prevention" for numerous pollution prevention articles and information.
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