Argonne recycling wins state recognition

In 1993, Argonne's Illinois site disposed of almost 3,700 metric tons of sanitary waste. In 2003, because of recycling and reuse efforts, that amount was down to just 36 metric tons. In recognition of this and other effective pollution controls, Argonne was presented the 2004 state award for "Outstanding Government Leadership in recycling.

The award was sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Illinois Recycling Association.

Barbara Markwenas, Argonne's pollution prevention coordinator, said the award was well deserved.

"We've dramatically decreased the amount of waste we have to get rid of, she said. "Since the initiatives began in 1996, we've saved about $12 million. We don't have to pay as much to send trash to landfills, and by reusing materials we buy less.

The strongest impetus for Argonne's recycling efforts was a 1996 government mandate that each U.S. Department of Energy facility reduce its regulated waste streams. For example, the government called for a 50 percent reduction in sanitary (non-hazardous) waste by 2005.

"We've already surpassed that. We're at 77 percent, said Markwenas. Sanitary waste includes paper, toner cartridges, scrap metal and even asphalt and concrete. She said Argonne not only reduces, recycles and reuses, but also resells items such as metal and rubber for added revenue.

Michael Mitchell, executive director of the Illinois Recycling Association, said Argonne's 77 percent reduction in sanitary waste was remarkable. "State regulations dictate 33 percent recycling or better. Anything over 50 percent is extremely impressive.