September 1, 2002
|
| Reduce waste, expenses with creative IMES recycling service |
Anything from eggshells and fish waste, to lint and creaking doors in horror films have all been reused or recycled for new uses through an unique Illinois EPA industry-oriented program known as the Industrial Material Exchange Service (IMES).
The creative reuse of these materials demonstrates the basic premise of the IMES, that one company’s waste can be a valuable resource material to another.
Acting as an information clearinghouse, directory, and marketing facilitator for reusable industrial materials, the service deals with waste by-products, off-spec items, hazardous and non-hazardous materials, overstock, and damaged or unwanted materials.
IMES can help manage an industry’s waste streams when other source reduction or pollution prevention applications are not possible or practical, when on-site treatment or disposal is too expensive, or when no in-house expertise is available for on-site waste treatment.
The process can work both when waste is routinely generated with properties and volumes that are predictable, or when waste is generated on a one-time only basis.
A survey of IMES clients shows that the program has directly fostered material transactions between companies that generated more than $204.4 million in cost savings. More than 2.4 billion gallons or gallon equivalents of material have been diverted from landfill disposal in the process.
Copies of the most recent IMES directory can be obtained, or firms can be added to the mailing list, by calling 217-782-0450. For more information on the IMES program, visit http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/imes/ or email the IMES program manager, Diane McClain at Diane.McClain@epa.state.il.us.
The Industrial Material Exchange Service
How does it work?
- 92% of workers surveyed indicated that they achieved their goals because of incentives.
- IMES publishes a bi-monthly directory that goes to 14,000 subscribers nationwide. It lists both materials that are available and materials industries are seeking.
- Firms respond to listings and the IMES puts potential users in contact with the generators, with the final transaction and transportation of materials left to the companies involved.
- Materials listings stay in the directory for a minimum of one year, unless the listing is withdrawn. If firms prefer to list their materials confidentially, IMES will not release a company name or phone number without permission.
|
|
| |
|
