This paper describes the results of a recent municipal solid waste (MSW) pollution prevention opportunity assessment (PPOA) performed at Arnold Air Force Base (AFB) in 1996. The methodology utilized is discussed in detail, as are the initiatives planned or underway for various components of the MSW stream. Information is also provided on a comprehensive waste characterization study completed as part of the PPOA.

Arnold AFB is one of three test centers within the Air Force Materiel Command. Named for the first General of the Air Force, Henry H. "Hap" Arnold, it is situated on a 40,000-acre reservation is southern middle Tennessee. Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), where the testing is conducted, encompasses a 3,600-acre industrial area. The Base population is 3,250, comprised of Air Force staff and two primary civilian contractors, Sverdrup Technology, Inc. (SvT) and Aerospace Center Support (ACS).

The Air Force staff, numbering around 300 and split equally between military and civilian personnel, provides management, resource allocation, and contract administration for the facility and its specialized operations. SvT is responsible for conducting propulsion and flight dynamics testing, while ACS serves as the center support contractor. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) provides additional specialized support to the Base environmental programs.

AEDC is the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world, with fifty-three aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges, and other specialized units. Twenty-seven test units possess capabilities unmatched in the United States, thirteen are unmatched in the world. Facilities can simulate flight conditions from sea level to altitudes around 100,000 feet, and from subsonic velocities to those well over Mach 20.

United Service Associates Inc. (USAI) is under contract to Arnold AFB to collect and transport Base MSW to the Quail Hollow landfill, a local commercial facility. Seventy-five percent of the 116 MSW dumpsters (8 yd³) are located within the confines of AEDC. Dumpsters are emptied at widely varying frequencies - some daily, some twice a week, some weekly, and some on a quarterly basis. Tipping fees at the Quail Hollow landfill are currently $33/ton. Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris are disposed of in an on-site landfill; yard wastes are processed either by static pile composting or periodic burning.

A Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) has been in place since 1992. The program originally included cardboard (Commissary only), high-grade office paper, ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, aluminum cans, tires, and waste oils. Since that time, the following additions/expansions have been incorporated:

• Recycling of lead acid batteries was initiated in 1994,

• Telephone directory recycling was initiated in 1994,

• Toner cartridge recycling was initiated in 1995,

• Cardboard recycling was expanded Base-wide in 1996,

• Mixed office paper recycling was initiated in 1996,

• Recycling of brown glass at the Arnold Lakeside Club was initiated in 1996,

• Provisions for recycling #1 and #2 plastics at Arnold military family housing were instituted in 1996, and

• Steel aerosol and one-gallon paint cans are currently being recycled as scrap metal.

A 1991 Executive Order, issued by President Bush, decreed that all components of the federal government begin reducing the quantity of solid waste disposed to landfills. Taking a proactive stance, subsequent Air Force policy implemented the President’s order by directing that each Installation reduce solid waste disposal to landfills by 50% within five years (i.e., 1997). In addition, intermediate goals of a 10% reduction by 1993 and a 30% reduction by 1996 were established. Reductions were to be baselined against the 1992 MSW generation rate (i.e., total quantity of MSW disposed and recycled). For Arnold AFB, the baseline was established as 2,205 tons.

Through the auspices of its Pollution Prevention Integrated Product Team (P2 IPT), Arnold AFB has established an effective P2 process methodology incorporating root cause determination and continuous improvement. The Arnold approach is depicted in Figure 1 below.

Beginning in Quadrant 1, P2 opportunities are first assessed in a systematic manner, where the nature and quantity of specific wastes are determined to establish priorities. The reason (root cause) for their generation is identified, P2 options which address the root causes are developed and screened, surviving options are evaluated further as P2 projects, and viable projects are recommended for implementation.

Quadrant 2 represents the project implementation phase. Some initiatives may be relatively easy to implement and require little if any funding. In these instances, the desired results can be achieved immediately. For more-involved initiatives, project narratives are prepared and submitted to HQ for funding approval.

As projects are implemented, it is critically important to measure the results and compare them to projected reductions in order to validate their success or failure. Air Force solid waste metrics are prepared and submitted on a quarterly basis.

Finally, to ensure that successes are effectively institutionalized within the workforce, it is crucial to document and share lessons learned within and across organizations and facilities. In addition, training and awareness play an important role in effecting and sustaining changes in behaviors, and are absolute necessities for achieving success in Base recycling programs.

Again, this approach provides for continuous improvement of waste reduction efforts. Identification of the root cause for the generation of a particular waste can help ensure that P2 initiatives achieve the desired results.

As a means to assess progress toward achievement of MSW metric goals and to identify opportunities for further reductions, SAIC was tasked with conducting a PPOA. The effort was organized into five manageable tasks that could be performed in a logical sequence. Task 1 involved the compilation and analysis of existing disposal and recycling records to establish trends for the overall MSW program and to prioritize individual waste stream components for further study. To better define the composition of Arnold AFB MSW, Task 1A provided for a comprehensive waste characterization effort. Task 2 involved the identification of root causes for the generation/disposal of specific components of the MSW stream and the development of P2 options to address them. The subsequent evaluation of the identified P2 options as P2 projects was performed as Task 3. Reporting of results and recommended actions was conducted under Task 4.

A review of MSW data for the period 1992 to 1995 indicated little change in either the landfill disposal tonnage or the recycling quantities from year to year. This is illustrated by Figure 2. The reduction observable in 1996 is attributable to enhancements in the QRP and to the renewed emphasis on MSW disposal and recycling practices facilitated by the PPOA.

Due to a strong scrap metal recycling program, Arnold AFB had met previous, and was in good position to meet future, Air Force metric goals, although there was some concern for the 50% reduction target for 1997. To identify additional reductions, Task 1A provided for a two-phased waste characterization study. The first phase involved hands-on segregation and weighing of wastes from selected dumpsters. The second phase, conducted concurrently with the "dumpster diving" effort, involved a more subjective approach, visual inspections of dumpster contents prior to emptying. Visual observations served to document, on at least a qualitative basis, the types of wastes landfilled by Arnold AFB.

With respect to the segregation and weighing approach, 45 dumpsters were surveyed, accounting for 8,000 lbs of waste. Figure 3 illustrates the basic approach utilized for sorting and weighing.

To provide for efficient utilization of manpower and minimize impacts to normal waste collection activities, most dumpsters were surveyed at a central site. The cooperation of the waste collection contractor, USAI, was instrumental to the success of this effort. Other dumpsters, located in less-populated areas, were surveyed remotely.

Figures 4 and 5 provide the results of this effort for general classifications of wastes and individual waste stream components, respectively. It was determined that paper products comprised over 44% by weight of the total MSW landfilled and that food-related wastes (including food-contaminated wastes) accounted for one-fourth of the total.

The visual inspection portion of the study involved 195 separate observations, accounting for an estimated 400 yd³ of waste. The prevalent use of black plastic bags at most Base locations limited the value of this effort (60% of the waste was bagged), however, the visual findings served to validate the segregation results.

Based on the results of the waste characterization study, P2 options for cardboard, office paper, paper towels, metals, food-related wastes, and plastics were developed and evaluated in subsequent tasks of the PPOA. Although metals were already being recovered at a high level, their importance to the Arnold MSW program was a factor in their inclusion in the option development phase. Other components, such as glass and wood, were not included in further aspects of this study, but will likely be addressed in the next review cycle.

In developing options, Arnold AFB personnel were interviewed, other Air Force Installations were contacted, recognized military and industrial waste reduction programs were benchmarked, and literature searches were conducted. Identified options were categorized as follows:

• Already Implemented - Initiatives that were already in place or in progress.

• Implement Immediately - Initiatives that could be readily implemented at negligible cost.

• P2 Projects for Further Evaluation - Initiatives that had merit but required additional evaluation to determine the feasibility of implementation.

• No Further Consideration - Initiatives that were obviously impractical or too costly.

P2 projects were evaluated against four criteria:

• Technical Feasibility - The practicality of the initiative and the probability of success were considered.

• Economic Feasibility - Implementation and operating costs were considered and paybacks were computed.

• Baseline Impact - Reductions in disposal quantities/increases in recovery rates were considered.

• Intangible Considerations - Detrimental impacts to current operations and work practices were considered, as well as to future reduction initiatives and regulatory capabilities.

As P2 is a program of change driven by cost considerations, economic analyses were weighted heavily.

Since the PPOA was completed, a number of P2 initiatives have been, or are in the process of being, implemented. A number of these are generic, low-cost, management-type initiatives which directly address several of the root causes identified for poor recyclable recovery rates. For example, routine inspections of recycling bins and dumpsters have been implemented as a means to assess the health of the recycling program. To enhance the value of these inspections, the use of black plastic trash bags is being curtailed in favor of clear bags. In addition, QRP personnel are working closely with building points-of-contact (POCs) to raise awareness of recycling initiatives.

Another initiative, which has the potential to greatly enhance the cost-effectiveness of the QRP, is the allocation of non-appropriated funding (NAF) personnel to the program and the establishment of an on-site Recycling Center to facilitate the collection and processing of recyclable materials. Significant cost savings over the current arrangement are projected through the availability of cheaper labor and ready-to-deliver (baled) recyclables.

With respect to specific waste stream components, the following P2 projects have been, or are being, implemented:

Cardboard - Results from the waste characterization study indicated a 29% recovery rate. Root causes for the poor recovery rate were identified as insufficient awareness among the workforce regarding recycling policies, inadequate provisions for recycling, and the absence of auditing/assessment function to monitor effectiveness of the recycling program. In addition to a renewed emphasis on awareness initiatives, dumpster access doors have been stenciled with the instruction "Do Not Place Cardboard in Dumpster" and collection cages have been placed adjacent to dumpsters. It is projected that a 75% recovery rate is achievable.

Office Paper - Waste characterization results indicated a 57% recovery rate for high-grade paper, 25% for mixed paper. Root causes for office paper disposal practices were similar to those identified for cardboard. As a result, awareness efforts have been intensified. Articles detailing the study findings and the proper disposition of waste papers have since been included in the Base newspaper, the High Mach, and periodic bulletins have been distributed and posted in appropriate areas. In addition, to enhance the economics of the office paper recycling program by reducing labor requirements, canvas bags used as secondary collection receptacles are being phased out in favor of large-capacity roll-out buggies. Establishment of recycling stations in selected locations is also under consideration as a means to increase recovery rates. It is anticipated that implementation of these initiatives will achieve near-term recovery rates of 75% and 50% for high-grade and mixed papers, respectively.

Paper Towels - Based on waste characterization results, paper towels comprise a surprisingly large percentage (10% by weight) of the Arnold AFB MSW landfilled. Discussions with local recyclers indicate that paper towels can be recycled with cardboard; this practice is being implemented at selected Base locations. In addition, a small-scale electric hand dryer pilot study is planned for one of the larger office buildings on Base. The near-term goal for this waste stream component is a 40% reduction in disposal.

Metals - Results from the waste characterization study indicated that Arnold AFB is recovering 97% of its scrap metal (only 2% of the total MSW disposed was attributable to metals). In fact, a very successful scrap metal recycling program is the reason Arnold AFB is on target to meet the Air Force’s 50% reduction goal. As such, efforts will concentrate on maintaining high recovery rates, while improving segregation practices to enhance the value of the recovered materials.

Food Wastes - Waste characterization results indicated that food scraps and food-contaminated wastes account for roughly one-fourth of the Arnold MSW stream. Better segregation practices resulting from office paper recycling initiatives will likely reduce the quantity of food-related wastes somewhat. However, to achieve significant reductions, some type of composting operation will be necessary. Two potential approaches are under consideration. One involves the use of a compact, in-vessel composter capable of processing virtually all of Arnold’s food and yard wastes. A vermi-composting station is also under consideration as a demonstration project/awareness effort. As a result of the large food-related portion of the Arnold MSW stream, significant reductions are possible at Arnold using an appropriately-sized composting system.

Plastics - Based on waste characterization study findings, plastics account for roughly 8% by weight of the total MSW landfilled by Arnold AFB. Commingled collection of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) sheeting and bubble wrap with cardboard is planned as a first-phase measure. A second phase would involve collection of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers at strategic locations around the Base. The establishment of an on-site Recycling Center and initiation of baling operations will serve to enhance the attractiveness of these two initiatives. In addition, as a source reduction and awareness initiative, refillable mugs with an environmental logo are being offered as an alternative to Styrofoam beverage cups at food service locations. The near-term reduction goal for plastics is 25%.

It is projected that the quantity of MSW landfilled by Arnold AFB can be reduced 29% through implementation of various P2 initiatives, including the aforementioned P2 projects. Figure 6 provides a graphical representation of the impact of these efforts on the recovery of recyclables, referenced to the 1992 baseline reduction percentage.

As discussed earlier, disposal tonnages and recycling quantities are reported on a quarterly basis, Also, routine inspections of recycling bins and dumpsters has been instituted as a means to provide additional performance data and monitor Base disposal practices and recycling participation with greater resolution. The qualitative data obtained in this manner is being used to identify and correct "problem" areas, as well as recognize areas for their support of recycling initiatives

In addition, to provide comparable data on which to quantitatively assess progress toward MSW reduction goals, a follow-up "dumpster diving" exercise has been proposed. This would be a smaller-scale version of the earlier waste characterization study, which would be performed six months to a year after the project implementation phase. This information would provide a direct comparison to previous findings and serve to objectively validate the reduction projections, as well as identify needed corrective actions.

As stated earlier, the P2 IPT is assigned oversight responsibilities for the Arnold P2 program. A Solid Waste Technical Support Team (TST) has been formed under the P2 IPT to develop, implement, and monitor the success of solid waste reduction initiatives, such as those stemming from the PPOA. Team meetings are held on a regular basis to assess progress, identify areas requiring attention, and establish goals and schedules. Through the efforts of this team, it is anticipated that Base recycling efforts will continue to mature and expand, and that as a result, the P2 ethic will continue to become a part of the workforce mindset.

In order to maintain the MSW reductions achieved to date and to expand the influence of the recycling program, Arnold AFB has implemented a number of awareness initiatives. Beginning in 1997 and continuing into 1998, employees will receive refresher training on the proper handling of solid wastes. Articles are being included periodically in the Base newspaper, the High Mach, to further disseminate specific aspects of the Base recycling program. In addition, as stated earlier, QRP personnel are working closely with building contacts to communicate inspection findings and ensure that awareness remains at a high level. A continual emphasis on awareness, coupled with "gentle" enforcement action to achieve the desired recovery levels, will serve to further institutionalize P2 within the workforce.

Summary

By virtue of a highly successful scrap metal recycling program, Arnold AFB is in good position to meet all Air Force metric performance goals, including the 1997 goal requiring a 50% reduction based on the 1992 baseline. However, additional reductions in the regular MSW disposed are possible and are being addressed by the Solid Waste TST, utilizing the findings and recommendations contained in the PPOA.