Solid Waste Reduction

Specific Judging Considerations

• To recognize businesses that have eliminated or reduced the generation of solid wastes
• Level of commitment in the reduction of solid waste being disposed of
• Relationship between the environmental benefits and the associated economic benefits

2008 Winner of Solid Waste Reduction

Winner – U.S. Fence facility in Bulls Gap (Hawkins County)

U.S. Fence, Inc. is a leader in PVC and wood fencing and outdoor rail design and employs more than 500 people.  The Hawkins County facility completed a major expansion to its physical plant, and also made significant investments in its manufacturing operations.  As production continued to grow, plant officials recognized their waste stream was increasing, too. U.S. Fence was disposing of approximately 100,000 cubic yards of solid waste annually, most of which could have been recycled.  The company instituted new waste reduction and recycling processes and made informational signs, purchased collection bins and painted floors to reinforce the new process.  More than a year into the comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program, the Bulls Gap plant is saving more than $450,000 annually through reduced tipping fees and offsetting revenues generated from recycling plastic, cardboard, plastics and PVC waste.