MCCo Establishes In-House Recycling Program

January 1, 2011

MCCo has established a strong and active in-house recycling program. Since the program was implemented in June 2011, we have diverted about 2,880 pounds, which is about 50% of our waste stream on average. In addition, we have seen an operational cost savings of about 74% in comparison to past practices.

A grant for recycling bins from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District was awarded to MCCo in March 2011. The award allowed us to implement an organized recycling program throughout the plant. The recycling program became part of our waste disposal plan for MCCo. Blue recycling bins for single-stream recycling were placed throughout common areas of the plant and in each office. Most of these were located next to the trash can in that area. A recycling brute container on a dolly was also incorporated into the program for janitorial staff to easily empty bins each night in the appropriate manner.

A recycling kick-off lunch was held in June to introduce the program to all employees. In addition, written program announcements were given the all MCCo employees as well as janitorial staff.

Part of the benefit of this recycling program was scoping a new waste hauling contract to include recycling. Our waste hauling, including recycling, contract is with the City of Cleveland. There are two 8 cubic-yard dumpsters located on the North side of the plant: the gray dumpster is for trash and the yellow and green dumpster is for recycling. Both are emptied twice a month.