HHW Reuse Program

Andrew Judkins Megan HuttonNAHMMA Conference 2010

Metro

• Metro is a regional government in the Portland, Oregon area.

• Metro’s HHW program serves 60,000 customers annually.

• About 5 million pounds of HazWaste is collected annually.

HHW Breakdown

• Latex paint is 45% of what we take in, and 55% of that is recycled into MetroPaint.

• About 5% of the non-latex waste we collect is diverted to our reuse program (~136,000 pounds).

• Disposal cost savings is $0.87 per pound.

Reuse Program Benefits• Environmental Impact

– Reduced need for new resources– Reduction in material disposed

• Community Impact– Useful products given to non-profit organizations and

low-income households

• Program Impact– Reduced disposal costs

Types of Reuse

• Paint (oil-based) and other building materials• Fertilizers and other lawn chemicals• Automotive products• Cleaning products• Propane cylinders• Art supplies • Vegetable oil

Organizations

• Habitat for Humanity• Golden Harvesters• Gleaners• Schools• Individuals from the community• Artist’s groups, theaters, etc.• Shelters – homeless and others

Dignity Village

Propane for heating and cooking

Concerns

• Product may be contaminated or mislabeled, may cause harm

• Product may not perform as it shouldSolution: Liability Waiver

• Disposal costs if there were no reuse programSolution: Reuse Program!

Addressing Concerns

• Limit what is given out– Types of products– Condition of container– Verification of contents

• Limit distribution– Open to the public vs. selected recipients– Product appropriateness for recipient

Limitation Guidelines

• No products intended for use on the human body, unless the container is sealed with original manufacturer’s seal

• No product that is intended to be eaten or taken internally

• No product that is deemed to be too hazardous for reuse – depending on the experience and skill of the recipient.

Container Guidelines

• All items must be in their original containers• Original labels must be intact and legible• Container must be in sound condition• Half full or more

Contents Guidelines

• Visual examination• pH or water solubility tests• Results must match what is expected for the

product

Pesticide Guidelines

• Only those that are allowed on organic crops:

Diatomaceous earth Silica gel Boric acid

Insecticidal soaps Fish oil spray Bacillus thurengiensis

Oil sprays(dormant oil/horticultural oils/neem oil)

Anything with Safer or Ringer brand name (no pyrethrins)

Fertilizers

Preparation Guidelines

•Pallets

•Skids

•Shelves

Megan Hutton megan.hutton@oregonmetro.gov

Andrew Judkinsandrew.judkins@oregonmetro.gov