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

2009 Winner of Solid Waste Reduction

Procter and Gamble - Madison County

In 2008, Procter and Gamble Manufacturing Facility in Jackson re-evaluated its processes for waste and recyclable materials management with the goal of further reducing its environmental footprint in reduction of CO2 emissions, lower energy consumption, decrease water usage and reduce waste from operations. The plant found that waste reduction, recycling opportunities and redesign options for their packaging materials were among many processes that could change. Steps were taken – both big and small – to eliminate office and cafeteria wastes. Positive impacts were immediately realized at the plant and employees reduced the amount of total trash produced by nearly 3 million pounds on an annual basis. While total trash was being reduced, almost 25 million pounds of byproducts and other recyclable materials were recovered and recycled in 2008.

Overall waste was reduced by 78 percent in 2008 compared to the previous year and landfill disposal was reduced by 72 percent, saving an average $20,000 per month in landfill disposal costs. Another major advance at the plant included redesigning product packaging. The design changes included on-line case printing that eliminated the need for multiple corrugated packaging and container designs. As a result of online case printing Procter and Gamble used 250,000 pounds less corrugated material, eliminated 65,000 cubic yards of waste, saved 120 million gallons of fresh water, used 70 million fewer kilowatts of energy and used 10 fewer trucks for transit.