The Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization Research Project-A Collaborative Economic Stimulus and Environmental Protection Initiative in Northwest OHIO, USA

In 1996, an innovative partnership between the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and The University of Toledo, College of Engineering was formed to help improve environmental and economic conditions in Lucas County, Ohio, USA by providing no cost solid waste assessments to Lucas County manufacturers and businesses. Since the inception of the project, over 70 waste assessments have been completed, over 109,000 tons of solid waste has been identified for reuse, reduction, or recycling and over $3.1 million have been identified as potential cost savings for Lucas County business. The purpose of this paper is to provide a complete overview and framework of this program so that other institutions may learn from it and adopt similar concepts to help reduce solid waste generation and improve economic conditions in their regions. A focus of this paper is a discussion of a case study that details the process and results of a typical solid waste assessment conducted through the project. Also included in this paper is a discussion of the project's background, a comparison to similar project's between colleges and government agencies, and results and benefits of the program, and an overview of the opportunities and barriers to this type of research. The project demonstrates that through a cooperative effort and a creative alliance, businesses, governments, universities, and industries can work together to improve environmental quality, reduce waste, and improve profitability. The project also educates college students though practical, real-world environmental work experience and trains them to become future environmental leaders.