Program Information

REDUCE REUSE

D,E!AWARE ~. , , .

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,'THREE . RS FOR THE 90s

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RERUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE “THREE Rs FOR THE 90s” I

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People living in Delaware, as in the rest of the United States, produce

America’s wastes were equally divided q o n g the population, each of us would be producing (directly and indirectly) a total of 50,000 pounds of air

,kmissions, wastewater, and solid wastes each year.

i substantia! amounts of waste. One national study estimated that, if all of I

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Individuals generate some of these wastes as they take out the trash, flush the toilet, and drive their automobiles. Most of the wastes, however are produced indirectly, by industries a$ they manufacture the goods we buy. by farms as th.?.y.grow our food. by wholesalers and retailers as they package, ship, and sell their commodities, and by govemment and service industries as they cany out their business.

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These wastes degrade OUT air, our water, and our land. They threaten our health, diminish our wildlife, and, in many other ways, degrade the quality of

i i our life.

They are also very expensive to control. Individuals, businesses, and govem- menu are paying billions of dollars a year to abate, treat, and dispose of wastes-afm they are generated. If we can find ways of not producing pollu- tion and wastes in the fiist place, we will have realized substantial savings- both economically and in terms of environmental degradation.

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source,7ecovem~ mused, This is the goal of Delaware’s pollution prevention/waste minimization -h4 &&dor&w&of program-entitled THREE RS FOR THE 90s. so (IS to minimize thepresent

furure Itbred kll human environnrmf”

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s defines a statewide comprehensive pollution prevention program designed not only to maximize the reuse and recycling of wastes but to reduce the actual production of waste products in the first place.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s establishes a pollution prevention/waste minimi- zation ethic that will benefit Delaware economically as well as environmen-

Wmte Minimization Act

Dolawale General Assembly. 1990

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Program Information

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s wil l be the core of al l of the environmenral coatrol programs implemented by The Delaware Department of Natural Rea4laces and Environmental Control @MzEc).

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s emphasiis the use of innovative technologies, technical assistance. ~cuse. recycling and consumer awmeness as ways of d p u a g i n g waste minimization. Where necessary, the program will make use of regulatory approaches, but the primary emphasis will be non-regulad w.

TRREE Rs FOR THE 90s combines the mandates from recently passed Delaware statutes (the Waste Minimization and Recycling Acts of 1990) and 'nnmms pollution prevenhion initiatives required in federal laws such as the Xeso& Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act. It also hxup0rate.s Delaware's existing recycliq efforts as outlined in RECYCLE DELAWARE. The Delawareprogram is being funded by an US. Environ- mental Protection Agency grant through its Office of Pollution Prevention.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s builds upon existing private and public efforts and incorporates many recommendations of Governor Michael N. Castle's Environmerual Legacy Report. It is truly a cooperative effort between private intaests and State. agencies resulting in a pollution prevention partnership that will ultimately reduce risks to human health and the environment.

T H Y E RE FOR THE 90s is a dynamic program that will evolve as re- BO^ wnsaaints and economic factors dictate the fate of waste generation and disposal, Cooption and communication between affected parties is crucial to the program's succes~.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s focuses on the four primary economic sectors of our society: Households, Business. Agriculture and Government. Each pecector is not only a producer of wastes but is also a potential consumer of vtaste pfcducts and recycled materials.

THREE RS FOR THE 90s--HOUSEHOLDS

There are in excess of 250,OOO households in Delaware--all of which have nsidents who consume food and beverages, groom and maintain yards and

"We will make pollution pre- vention a hallmark of our en- vironmental efforts. Recy- cling, reuse, reduction at the source -- these will be our watchwords."

William K. Reilly

EPA Administrator

April 20, 1989

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Delaware’s Household Solid Waste is: (tau p r Y 4

gardens, operate automobiles and in essence drive the consumer marketplace with their collective purchasing power. Households not only produce wastes but are a potentially large consumer of them as well.

Households contribute to the waste seeam directly and indirectly. On an average annual basis, individual hquseholds produce 2,700 pounds of solid waste, 120,000 gallons of wastewater (resulting in about 180 pounds of was- tewater sludge) and over 200 pounds of air pollutants through family ve- hicles. The remajnder of America’s waste is indirectly related to households and is generated by industry in the production and distribution of goods for human use.

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Residents can minimize direct and indirect wastes in a number of ways that incorporate. waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Recycling is perhaps the most obvious component of a domestic waste

~ 3 %,064 -Paper/Paperboard

44888 - Yard Wastes

reduction program. Under RECYCLE DELAWARE a total of 100 recy- cling centers will be established in key locations throughout Delaware to accept glass. paper, aluminum, metals and plastics. A minimum of 15

9,149 - G l M

19,898 - Plastics

. - centers will be established by the end of 1990 with the remainder being in place by 1992.

m 141867 - Metals 1 DNREC will be producing household environmental audit kits for Dela- ware households. These kits will help householders identify possible areas

s where they could reduce the production of wastes, wnsewe water and energy, use less hazardous substances, and in other ways reduce their impact on the environment.

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14,000 - Food Wastes

ma432 -wood wastes Special wastes such as used tires, motor oil, and white goods (household appliances) will require specialized regional collection centers. The Delaware Solid Waste Authority will, under RECYCLE DELAWARE, address such collection centers by January, 1992.

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1,532 - Micellaneous Organics Yard wastes account for 20% of the solid wastes that are now disposed of in Delaware’s landfills. These wastes, which include grass, leaves, branches and stumps can be composted and reused and hence removed from the solid waste stream. DNREC will work to educate homeowners and communities on the possibilities for composting and the marketing of the finished product.

9,260 - Rubber & Leather

6,OOO - Other

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. . , Wastes are not always the tangible objects that end up in our trash contain-

& dn collection day. Water and energy conservation can play a consider- able role in minimizing waste discharges to our waterways and annos- phere. DNREC has and will contiwe to seive for the use of low water consqption iixtws in all new construction and major 'renovation and will promote energy conservation through public awareness campaigns dready u n d d a y by our major,electric utilities.

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' , komeciwners can conserve resources by purchasing "envir?nmendly \ friendly'' products. The use of recyclable or recycled products will play an

important role in conserving niuural resources and in promoting markets for such products. DNRW will encourage this front l i e approach to waste

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. ' reduction through public education and consumer awareness programs.

Household hazardous substances such as paints, solvents, pesticides, cleaners and batteries have a considerable pollution potential if not pdpperly liandled or disposed of. Homeownersmeed to be aware of suitable wbstitute prodbcts that are not consided hazardous and the proper disposal practices for those products for which no substitutes exist.

RECYCLE DELAWARE.

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, Regional collection centers for such wastes are anticipated in 1991 under

, C 'Proper maintenance of household septic systems, use and handling of

household fertilizers and pesticides and c o k t stormwater management in developing subdivisions are all forms of,controlling non-point sources of pollution;. Non-point pollution controls are critical for prevention of ground

~ and~surface water contamination and unnecessary health risks. DNRFC, in conjunction wiffi.other State and federal agencies, has implemented a non- point source program aimed at reducing such wasw through public education and a new stormwater management program.

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' ' THREE RS FOR THE %--BUSINESS Vd * %,,E OFF + *a ..

POTW _-_ Commercial and industrial facilities in Delaware collectively produce over 12

&wage discharges, solid wastes, hazardous wastes, and municipal and industrial sludges. A large majority of those wastes ,are disposed of here in Delaware. A principal focus within THREE Rs FOR THE 90s will be for

million pounds of waste products every year. These include air emissions, - - A y. - *uu 2". . ~~

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- DNREX to work with the business community in Delaware to help firms ** Publicly armed "icnt woks reduce, reuse, or recycle those wastes through efforts such as the following: -

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Delpware’s Industrial Wastes

Total Millions lbsJYear

Air - Fugitive’ 1.47

Air - Suck 5.21

Water 0.63.

Underground Injection 0.0

Laed 0.08

F.O.T.W. ** 3.58

Transferred 1.69

12.66 -

Non.Nrk cmiaiima

** WIicly owned ncu”t worka

Source: 1989 SARA T ~ U E 3 Scctim 313 “Cmrrrmrrity Ri@ to Know “&U

Program Information

DNREC vill sponsor voluntary comprehensive environmental audits for f m s in selected industrial sectors. Under this THREE Rs FOR THE 90s

sistance in identifying opportunities to reduce the amount of pollution and wsste they generate. Using information obtained about waste minimization initiatives in similar f m s around the country, the audits will search for waste reduction opportunities which can save money as well as reduce en- vironmental impacts.

program, the Department will provide interested f m s with technical as- -

DNREC will begin to make more use of multi-media permitting and compliance inspections in its air, water, and waste management programs to insure that waste reduction within one medium is not accomplished at the expense of another (e.g. discharging to water rather than the land). DNREC will begin to implement multi-media facility inspections combin- ing staff from several different programs and Divisions into a unified envi- ronmental review team.

Smaller industries and commercial establishments often do not have the research and development capabilities available to larger corporations to assist them in identifying waste minimization and pollution prevention opportunities. For these firms, DNREC will, under THREE Rs FOR THE 90s, prepare self audit kits that smaller fms can use to identify such opportunities. Small businesses may then seek technical assistance from DNREC to implement waste minimization initiatives.

m In recognition that one industry’s waste may be another industry’s raw ’ material, DNREC is sponsoring a “waste exchange” to be used as a clearinghouse for firis interested in buying or selling process wastes (oils, solvents, ash, etc.) with reuse potential.

To assist Delaware industries with ideas for better waste management and reduction, DNREC in conjunction with the Delaware Development Office (DDO), will formulate an electronic “bulletin board” containing waste minimization/pollution prevention technologies and case studies of technology applicaions.

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Traditional recycling efforts (glass, paper, plastics, metal, etc.) are also important in the industrial sector. DNREC will promote recycling initia- tives in plants and offices across the State. -

To promote recycling and reuse, DNREC, in conjunction with DDO, will unphasizc the desire to attract businesses interested in recycling, using recycled matexi& and/or manufacturing of goods from recycled materials.

, h E Rp FOR THE 90s--AGRICULTURE

Agriculture has traditionally employed a reduce, reuse, and recycle ethic. The fanning community has long recognized the economic and resource advan- raga of minimizing wastes. Delaware’s agricultural activities are principally i~ gain production, poultry, and vegetables. Waste products typically include p @ r y manure, vegetable processing wastes, livestock manure, dead poultry, fsrriliza and pesticide residuals, and nutrient and sediment runoff.

DNREC has forged a close w q h g relationship with the agricultural canmuni*.. farmer commodity organizations such BS the Delnihma Poultry ladustry. the Department of Agriculture, &operative Extension, the Conser- vation District& the Soil Conservation Service, the Delaware Farm Bureau, ta Grange. the6Uue’s agricultural colleges and research institutions, the Ag- riculturdStabiIhtion and Conservation Service, and other govemment and

I m-government agricultural organizations. The cooperation among these many i n t ” has made Delaware’s agricultural sector a national leader in promoting waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Some of the particular initiatives in this sector me the following:

DNREC. the Conservation Districts, Cooperative Extension, and the Soil Conservation Service are developing a new generation of comprehensive Coaservation Plan$ to address the full range of environmental problems that can be associated with agricultural operations. These include animal waste management, nutrient management, reduced pesticide use, dead bird di3pOsal. erosion and stormwater runoff, leaking underground storage tanlrs. agricultural chemical disposal and other such concems. The new p h q are being developed as part of the Mand Bays Recovery Initiative end the Non-Point Source Control program and will subsequently be ex- tended statqwide.

Podtry operations collectively produce approximately 260,000 tons of manure annually. This potentiaUy valuable waste product has long been “recycled” for use as a crop fertilizer. However, improper applications, storage practices. and excessive application rates have led to contamina-

Program Information

Pesticides Commonly Used In Delaware

Pesticide Total Obs. of naive ingredient) -------_--_

Alachor

Aldlcarb

Atrazine

CarboPuran

Chlorpyrlfos

C yanazlue

Metolachlor

Metrlbozln

Oxamyl

Prometou

Slmazlne

Terbufos

Trlfluralln

252,000

5$00

156,000

62,500

78,500

41,000

367,000

4,900

630

970

21,500

39,500

4,800

Source: Delaware Pesticide Usage, 1989 Delawan Department of Agricultun -

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, i- tion of surface and ground waters. Assistance in timing applications, equipment calibration and proper storage-as well as additional research on poultry manure utilization, will k , a focus of THREE Rs FOR THE 908 through the Conservation Districts and Cooperative Extension.

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I, Agricultural use of wastes such as wastewater sludges and composted solid

society. Such wastes are a valuable source of necessary nutrients and can significantly improve soil characteristics. DNREC will continue to promote. waste utilization in the agricultural sector through public education on the benefits of waste utilization and improved permitting procedures.

- , , waste can provide many benefits for the f k e r as well as the broader

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w ',Left over agricultural chemicals and used fertilizer anb pesticide oontainers can h s e a considerable threat to humah health and the environment if not pp?paly handled and disposed of. DNREC will work with the Delaware

Propam, and The Delaware Solid Waste Authority to help with farmer edumtion programs and technical assistance.

~- \ Farm Bureau, the Depgment of Agriculture's Pesticide Compliance

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w Pesticides ahd other agricultural chemicals are sometimes spilled during mixing and while the application equipment is being filled, emptied, or cleaned. This results in environmental contaminatjon as well as a loss of valuable chemicals. DNREC will share the costs' of inexpensive mixing pads which will prevent such Losses and allow the farmer to recapture the spilled materials.

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, w Unregistered or banned pesticides that may c m n t l y lk stockpiled for eventual disposal (either because of original overstocking or because they have since been banned) must be remsved from farms across the State and disposed of according to standards for disposal of hazardous materials. DNREC is working with farm organizations, the chemical manufacturing companies, and Cooperative Extension to collect and properly dispose of

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- Proper application of fertilizers and pesticides is crucial For the protection of ground and surface waters. Excessive applications of these substances is also costly to the farmers as well environmentally unsound. h p e r agricultural chemical application will be emphasized in the new generation of conservation Plans as well as other agricultural education and extension activities, -~

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I 'Water conservation is an additional waste reduction tool that may benefit notody our S&s water supplies but may manslate into cost savings for energy and reduce the environmental implications of producing that encrgg, DNREC'will continue to work with the agricultural community in promoting water conservation.

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TH&E Rs FOR THE %-.GOVERNMENT ,~

Govahment has sever$ key roles to play in promoting the reduction, reuse, ' and recycling of waste. & a major ec,onomic sector of society it produces a wadstream similar to other economic kctors. It is also a potentid consumer of mukes derived from waste materials. It has the responsibility of demon-,

, ~ s-g,the potential for pollution'reduction and waste minimiiation through 'jh own actions. And it has a role of assisting other sectors to achieve these

' q " g e state, county,' and local governments in Delaware to fulfill these , , ' goals. THREE Rs FOR THE 90s includes the following initiatives to

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, ''F Government has the same opportunity and need for recycling wastes such as paper, yard wastes, construction debis, white goods, waste ,oils, etc. Several initiatives announced under RECYCLE DELAWARE will promate these efforts.

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1; D&C wi4 increase its efforts to encourage the land application of municipal waste water and waste water sludges. Several municipal systems have already adopted this approach which recycles the water and makes beneficial use of th2 nutrients andbrganic materials itfmunicipal sewage: Inc'teased utilization of these approaches will save communities money as

, well as benefit the environment.

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DNREC will more aggressively explore such innovative approaches to waste water recycling, including the use of wetlands for polishing and apeating waste water flows from both municipal and commercid systems.

The State's role in transportation regulation and planning can aid in the reduction of auto emissions through vehicle inspections, ridesharing, mass transit ind the use of alpnative fuels. D W C will coordinate with the Delaware Department of Transportation in focusing efforts at reducing vehicle emissions.

Program Information

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Municipal Wastewater Sludge Utilization in Delaeare

County Acres Quantity (dry ulna per year)

New Castle* n/a 1400

Kent 1460 4200

Sussex 315 1030

* The Delswsre Solid Waste Autboriry produces compost for commercial use

ma& from sludge produced at the Wilmlngton Wastewater Treamslt Plan1 and recovered products of municipal refuse.

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Estimated Statewide Emissions . of Volatile otganii Compounds.

TOM Per Average Summer Day &used 011 1988 data)

mobile Sources , ’ 13434 (v&du) ”

k g e Point Sources .23.47

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1 Area Sources 2864 ~

( n n a h U y 25 tans pr year)

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‘ V W c orpic compounds lm , nujoi , , c s ” t of m o p

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As a facilitator, Govemment must also provide regulatory flexibility, finan- cial incentives, technical assistance and public education. Some of the par- ticular activities that DNREC will rely upon to accomplish its goals of reducing waste production and preventing pollution include.

An aggressive public education campaign. Public education is perhaps the most important role of govemment in reducing waste generation and disposal in all sectors of our economy. Getting the word out to citizens, business, and agriculture on wagte reduction, reuse, and recbcling opportu- nities is our greatest challenge. DNREC will disseminate fact sheets and environmental audit kits for households and commercial establishments describing waste reduction opportunities, RECYCLE DELAWARE drop- off centers, examples of where waste reduction has paid off, and places to turn for additional information. The Department will also dqvelop displays, establish a speakers bureau, and develop a series of public service an- nouncemests about the program.

w Under RECYCLE DELAWARE the Department of Administrative Services has already begun to modify its purchasing policies to encourage the acquisition and use of recycled materials. Such policies will benefit not only the environment but promote market development for recycled materials.

w DNREC will work with both the Depamnent of Administrative Services and The Delaware Development Office to promote the development of new businesses and industries in Delaware that use recycled products and promote the development of waste minimization approaches.

DNREC and other state agencies will explore the use of such economic incentives as reduced regulatory fees, tax incentives, cost sharing, and special loans or grants to encourage waste minimization and pollution prevention. DNRE!C will work with the State Legislature, Budget Office, and the U. S. EPA to provide the incentives necessary to make waste reduction an economic success.

DNREC and the Development Advisory Service will aggressively analyze the way in which existing regulatory procedures and requirements may inhibit waste minimization and pollution prevention. The Department will

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Program Information

embe opportunities for streamlied permitting procedures, priority pcrmittiag. regulatory variances (for projects resulting in environmental improvement), amnesties, and land use planning assistance as ways of pmoting the g d s of THREE Rs FOR THE 90s.

CONCLUSIONS ,

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s deffies the major thrust of the state's environ- m b prokction efforts through the 1990's.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s will affect every sector, and hopefully every individ@ in Delaware.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s will substitute pollution prevention for pollution m'mf, and waste minimization for waste management.

- THREE Rs FOR THE 90s will rely primarily on non-regulatory ap- Ixqackes-education, technical assistance, and economic incentives--for its implementation.

')NREE Rs FOR THE 90s includes a broad set of initiatives that make d c SCIW as well as environmental sense.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s. to be successful, will require the cooperation

,state's citizens. involvement of all of Delaware's economic sectors, and indeed, all of the

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s will require innovative solutions to complex i h w and c " t succeed without input and feedback from all affected REDUCE

LE m. THREE Re FOR THE 90s is not a pmgram that will happen ovemight. Accomplishing its goals will require continuous effort and vigilance.

THREE Rs FOR THE 90s is a program that will work for Delaware. But making it work will depend upon you.

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DOC. NO. ~CLOI~O/I~/W

The Department of Na@ Resources and Environmental C o n e is an equal opportunity employer. No person or group shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits. or subjected to discrhination on the basis of race, color, national origin or handicap.

Funding for this publication w& provided in part by a grant f” the United States Environmental Protection Agency

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For more information contact the Division of Air and Waste Management at 739-5071 .

Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid

Dover, DE Permit No. 125

,\ DNREC ~,

P.O. Box l401 ~ \ ’

Rqver, DE l9?03