Director’s Column – From the Source – Spring 1998

Regular readers of From the Source may recall that I discussed in the Spring 1997 director’s column the Division’s initial efforts in reduction of solid wastes. The intention with this new issue of the newsletter is to bring our readers up to date on the progress P2AD and others have made in activities related to solid waste. Our intention is to develop a comprehensive solid waste reduction program for the industrial, commercial, and institutional waste generators in the state. I am sure you will agree that the activities described in this issue are already helping to advance solid waste reduction endeavors in Georgia.

Featured on page one is a description of a project funded through the Environmental Protection Division’s Jobs Through Recycling (JTR) program. This demonstration project, focused on the West Atlanta area, is establishing an industrial recycling network to encourage increased reuse of waste materials as feedstock for other companies in the area. Also featured on page one is a description of a Georgia State University study of a specific waste stream, scrap tires. This study is jointly sponsored by P2AD and EPD, and will help us better understand the current situation of scrap tire recycling in Georgia. Page six describes the Division’s initial work with the state’s Department of Defense facilities concerning solid waste and recycling.

One of our university partners, the University of Georgia, is also conducting many projects related to solid waste reduction. The feature article in this newsletter describes a new Internet-based tool developed by the Textiles, Merchandising, and Interiors Department at UGA. This tool can help companies identify recycling markets for a variety of materials. The database is primarily aimed at the textile and carpet industries, although some of the markets listed are applicable to a broad spectrum of businesses. Pages six and seven of this newsletter contain information on two other UGA efforts. The Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department (BAE) operates the Bioconversion and Bioutilization Centers, which provide research services for companies that are considering beneficial biological reuse or composting of their waste streams. BAE is also involved in developing several solid waste stream assessments, including one for wood waste. The article summarizes some of their initial findings, and explains what the next phases of work on wood assessment will include.

As we and our partners continue to develop solid waste reduction programs, we encourage your participation in our programs and we welcome your input. Let us know how we can better help you.