UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY                
SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (5306W) 

EPA530-N-97-005 
AUGUST 1997   
EPA WasteWise UPDATE 

The mention of any company, product, or process in this
publication does not constitute or imply endorsement by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. 

DONATION PROGRAMS  
TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE 

     One man's trash is another man's treasure. Just ask the
WasteWise partners and the donation recipients featured in this
issue of WasteWise Update. 

     Everyone wins when corporations donate surplus equipment,
supplies, and materials to nonprofit organizations in need. These
donations fill a massive void in the nonprofit community and can
make the difference between the survival and elimination of
services desperately needed by communities across the country.
The donating companies benefit by knowing they are "doing the
right thing." In addition, they may reap rewards through tax
breaks, avoided storage and disposal costs, and improved
community relations. Moreover, the environment also wins.
Donation is an important waste prevention strategy, since it
reduces the need for the purchase and manufacture of new products
and helps keep materials out of landfills. 

     Corporations have donated several billion dollars in
equipment and supplies over the past 2 decades. The National
Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR) has
provided over $950 million worth of corporate inventory to
America's schools and nonprofit organizations since 1977.
Similarly, in the past decade, nearly $1 billion in newly
manufactured products have been donated through Gifts In Kind
International. Education Assistance Ltd. (EAL), which has been
donating materials to universities in coordination with tuition
scholarships since 1982, awarded more than $3 million in tuition
scholarships. These results are just a sampling of what American
companies can achieve when donation becomes part of their
corporate culture. 

     This issue of WasteWise Update highlights several donation
strategies implemented by WasteWise partners. Many partners keep
donations in the community by using local organizations. For
example, the University of South Florida gives excess prepared
food to a local chapter of the Salvation Army, a national
nonprofit organization. Abbott Laboratories, Millipore
Corporation, and Raytheon E-Systems donate materials to local
charities and schools. Other partners, such as Baxter
International and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, take a
more global outlook and donate materials to national nonprofits
that redistribute the materials to those in need around the
world. 

     Other donation strategies include developing a relationship
with local handicapped organizations to process items for reuse
and recycling, contacting a materials exchange to identify
prospective recipients, and contributing materials to state or
local government agencies for special projects. Florida Power
Corporation, for example, donates used concrete utility poles to
an artificial barrier reef project sponsored by a local
government agency. Apart from donation, companies might also
consider employee giveaways, sale of surplus materials, and
internal materials exchanges. These actions reduce waste, help
your company's bottom line, and boost employee morale. 

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CONTENTS

SAMPLING OF PARTNER DONATION PROGRAMS
MEDICAL SUPPLIES: SAVING MONEY & LIVES
ARTIFICIAL REEFS ARE "GROWING" IN U.S. LAKES & OCEANS
FIGHTING HUNGER THROUGH FOOD DONATIONS
OLD BUILDING MATERIALS ERECT NEW LIFE
EDUCATING OTHERS THROUGH CORPORATE DONATIONS
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SAMPLING OF PARTNER DONATION PROGRAMS

     WasteWise partners have implemented successful donation
programs for everything from railroad ties to polystyrene
peanuts. The following is a sampling of what other partners are
donating: 

* Bell Atlantic donated $700,000 worth of unneeded office
furniture to schools, charity organizations, and nonprofits, such
as battered women's shelters. 

* The Capital Area Corporate Recycling Center (CACRC)worked with
the Louisiana Department of Transportation to find new uses for
materials that had been going to landfills. As a result of CACRC
assistance, local schools received leftover vinyl highway sign
lettering material and plastic tubes to use in art projects. The
Greater Baton Rouge Zoo received plastic sheeting to cover
animals' outdoor cages during the winter. 

* Clorox conserved 134,000 pounds of materials in 1996 by
implementing an inventory tracking program in its research and
development center and giving away products left over from pilot
testing runs to nonprofit groups or employees. That same year,
Clorox also donated $250,000 worth of laboratory equipment and
office furniture to schools and universities. 

* Dow Corning donated railroad ties and plastic drums to fairs
for grounds improvements and waste collection. The company also
gave all of its cardboard, newsprint, plastics, and glass to a
local nonprofit recycling center. The revenues generated help
keep the recycling center in business. Dow Corning also donated
furniture, supplies, and equipment to other local nonprofits. 

* Gillette conserved 12,500 pounds of materials by donating
corrugated packaging and promotional materials to the Boston
Schools Recycle Center. The center provided free instructional
materials and training to teachers to encourage them to develop
experimental approaches for teaching reading, writing, math, and
science. The company also gave more than 1,500 pieces of office
furniture and equipment to local charitable and educational
organizations. 

* NEC Electronics donated more than 29,000 pounds of packaging
materials to nonprofit organizations and packaging stores. 

* Pennsylvania Power and Light (PP&L) reused or donated 1,852,000
pounds of utility poles in 1995. PP&L encouraged employees to
find ways to reuse, donate, or recycle the poles and tracks the
number of poles given away. Poles can be used to build gates,
fences, or barriers, as well as for landscaping. 

* Rivertown Trading Company donated polystyrene peanuts and other
packaging materials, as well as aluminum cans and recyclable
containers, to local packaging stores and nonprofits. An advocacy
organization, Minnesota Missing Children, for example,  received
$1,400 in one year by recycling aluminum cans donated by
Rivertown. 

     We hope these ideas, as well as the profiles presented in
this issue of the Update, will inspire your company to take a
closer look at the possibilities of donation programs. 

EVEN UNUSUAL MATERIALS CAN FIND A HOME 

     Donation organizations can find a use for almost any excess
merchandise. In fact, materials that companies may not think to
donate are often needed, such as: 

* Access doors 
* Antiseptic hand soap 
* Bird feeders 
* CD/ROM drives 
* Drafting supplies 
* Garage doors 
* Heat pumps 
* Lab equipment 
* Metal cookware 
* Mop bucket and wringer combinations 
* Nails and hinges 
* Plumbing and bath supplies 
* Plumbing supplies 
* Screen doors 
* Screwdrivers 
* Vacuums 
* Vending machines 
* Welding supplies 
* Yardsticks 

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MEDICAL SUPPLIES: SAVING MONEY AND LIVES 

     In the summer of 1994, a shipment of intravenous (IV)
needles, gloves, surgical masks, and nutritional supplements
arrived at a Rwandan refugee camp in Zaire. Doctors there used
these donated medical supplies to treat refugees suffering from
dehydration and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as to deliver
babies. Imagine if those supplies had ended up in the bottom of a
landfill, instead of being used to save refugees' lives. 

     Each year, millions of dollars worth of medical supplies go
unused by the U.S. hospitals that purchase them. The reason: U.S.
law prohibits hospitals from using supplies once their packaging
has been opened, even if the supplies themselves have not been
touched. Rather than wasting these valuable supplies, many
hospitals, including several WasteWise partners, donate them to
relief organizations. These organizations then distribute the
supplies to developing nations around the world. Donating medical
supplies enables hospitals to reduce their solid waste, avoid
disposal costs, and help people in the far reaches of the world
who are in dire need of medical relief. 

     Medical supply donation programs are relatively easy to set
up and inexpensive to implement. These programs usually entail
working closely with a national or local relief organization that
accepts the supplies and sends them to places where they are
needed. Donated supplies include everything from gloves, sponges,
gowns, and sterile gauze, to sutures, syringes, catheters, and IV
tubing. In addition, many relief organizations accept medical
equipment, such as operating room tables, X-ray units, kidney
dialysis machines, and wheelchairs. Hospitals store the supplies
in properly labeled boxes or containers until the relief
organization collects them. Depending on the relief organization,
hospitals may be asked to sterilize the items before storing
them. Other relief organizations, however, sterilize the products
after receiving them. Most relief organizations pay for the costs
of transporting the supplies from the donating hospital to the
warehouse where they are stored prior to shipment abroad. 

     A hospital's liability for donated medical supplies ends at
the point of donation, if proper steps are taken. When relief
organizations pick up the donated items, legal paperwork can be
signed indicating the items the hospital has donated and that the
relief organization is now liable for any malfunction of the
supplies when they reach their final destination. 

     As the following WasteWise partners' experiences show, one
of the greatest benefits of donating medical supplies is that
donation doesn't just save money, it can make the difference
between life and death. 

RESOURCES 

The following organizations accept donations of medical supplies: 

* AmeriCares, 800 486-HELP 
* Carelift International, 610 617-0995 
* RACORSE, 510 832-2868 
* Northeast Medical, 800 343-9755 

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THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY AND HOSPITAL DONATE SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT 

     Employees at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were concerned when they saw the
quantities of medical supplies the hospital discarded. They knew
the unused supplies cost the hospital money to dispose of and
would be priceless in regions of the world where medical products
are in high demand. 

     In 1994, the hospital (a WasteWise partner)identified a
local organization, Carelift International, that accepts
donations of unused surgical supplies and medical equipment, such
as X-ray machines and operating room tables. Carelift distributes
the supplies and equipment to hospitals in the former Soviet
Union, Africa, and the Far East. Carelift is notified when
supplies are ready to be collected, then Carelift pays to
transport the supplies to its distribution center. When a full
X-ray room and dental clinic were no longer needed at the
university and hospital, due to downsizing, this equipment was
donated to Carelift as well. The total donations in the past 3
years have been worth more than half a million dollars and have
saved the costs of storing or disposing of the products. 

     According to Bill Wardle, assistant vice president for
materials management, the greatest benefit of the program has
been giving new life to supplies that would otherwise be
unusable. "By donating these supplies, we make them usable again,
and someone benefits from our donation." 

     For more information about Thomas Jefferson University and
Hospital's program, contact Bill Wardle at 215 503-6244. 

BAXTER INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WITH AMERICARES 

     In 1987, WasteWise partner Baxter International began
working with AmeriCares, an international relief organization
that distributes medical supplies worldwide. Baxter, a global
medical products and services company, had been looking for
cost-effective ways to manage its excess inventory, including IV,
renal, and biotechnology products. Excessive inventory is
expensive for Baxter to dispose of and represents a lost
investment for the company. In addition, Baxter knew that its
excess inventory could be a life saver in regions of the world
where few medical supplies are available. 

     After researching several relief organizations that accept
donated medical supplies, Baxter selected AmeriCares. "AmeriCares
was the best fit for us," says Patricia Morgan, coordinator of
the company's product donation efforts. "AmeriCares is a very
large organization with warehouses all over the United States. As
a result, they're able to ensure an easy movement of product from
our warehouses to theirs." In addition, AmeriCares ensures that
recipients of the donated supplies use them properly and before
their expiration dates. Through AmeriCares, Baxter's donated
products have been distributed to four continents and countries
such as Rwanda, Croatia, Russia, and India. In 1994 and 1995,
Baxter donated a total of 1,740,000 pounds of materials worth
more than $21 million. 

     Baxter has received numerous letters from small hospitals
and clinics around the world acknowledging the supplies they
received from Baxter and thanking them for the donation. The
rewards of the program for Baxter stem from the satisfaction of
helping others in need. "We know that hospitals that literally
had nothing, now have a clean, workable product," says Morgan. 

     For more information about Baxter's program, contact
Patricia Morgan at 847 948-4604. 

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ARTIFICIAL REEFS ARE "GROWING" IN U.S. LAKES AND OCEANS 

     In addition to human beneficiaries, plants and animals and
their ecosystems can also benefit from corporate donations. The
City of Cleveland and WasteWise partner Florida Power Corporation
are donating materials to foster the construction of artificial
barrier reefs. The reefs support a marine ecosystem, allowing a
variety of fish, algae, and other sea life to flourish where they
otherwise wouldn't. In particular, reefs create a habitat for
popular sport fish which, in turn, attract fisherman and support
the local economy. 

SINKING COSTS FOR FLORIDA POWER CORPORATION 

     While utility poles can remain in use for approximately 25
to 30 years, utility companies are still faced with the disposal
of a tremendous volume of old poles each year. Given the high
costs of hauling and landfill disposal, utility companies have a
clear incentive to search for alternative methods for managing
their waste poles. Florida Power Corporation is breaking new
ground with a creative approach to prevent its poles from
entering the waste stream. 

     Over the years, Florida Power has found it quite costly and
inefficient to dispose of its old concrete utility poles via
landfilling. Today, Florida Power takes advantage of a unique
local reuse opportunity for its used poles. The utility donates
the poles and other concrete debris to the Pinellas County,
Florida, artificial reef program, one of the largest in the
country. Pinellas County accepts concrete, and other forms of
clean rubble, that has been diverted from the landfill to use in
the construction of artificial barrier reefs off the coast of
Florida. The artificial reefs provide new habitats for marine
life, attracting schools of tropical fish. 

     Jennifer Waggoner, Florida Power's corporate recycling
program manager, first learned about artificial reef programs in
1996 through an article in a nature magazine. Waggoner quickly
recognized how well such a project would fit with Florida Power's
needs and began to contact the coastal counties in which the
company has electric plants. She soon discovered that the staging
area for Pinellas County's Clearwater Reef Program was located
close to one of the company's utility pole take-down sites.
Proximity would prove to be a key factor in determining the
economic feasibility of the project. 

     Having found the project to be economically sound, Florida
Power initiated its donation program with Pinellas County in July
1996. Florida Power removes the utility poles from the take-down
site, loads them directly onto its own trucks, and transports the
concrete straight to the reef staging area. From there, Pinellas
County ships the poles on barges out to the reef sites. Through
this unique, mutually- beneficial program, Florida Power has
successfully avoided the costs of transporting and landfilling
truckloads of poles, while also eliminating the additional labor
required by the previous system. The reduction in hauling and
landfilling fees, combined with the increase in efficiency, has
amounted to a total savings of $9,000 in just the first 7 months
of operation. More significant, however, is the impressive
900,000 pounds of retired poles that have already been diverted
from landfills to find new life in the Gulf of Mexico as a result
of this program. As Florida Power's efforts continue in 1997,
these numbers are steadily rising. 

     Due to pole-size constraints, the Pinellas Clearwater Reef
Program can not accept all of the used poles Florida Power takes
down. Nonetheless, Waggoner has not given up so easily on finding
a way to avoid landfilling the unsuitable poles. In pursuit of a
home for the "unreefable" material, Waggoner raised the issue at
a Pinellas County Business Recycling Network meeting. The network
members referred her to a company that accepts concrete debris
for conversion into roads and pavement, the site to which Florida
Power now brings all remaining poles and debris. 

     Similar programs exist along coastal zones all over the
country. If concrete, brick, limestone, or another type of clean
rubble makes up a significant part of your waste stream, you may
want to contact city or county officials to inquire whether such
a program exists in your region. For further information on
getting a concrete donation program started, contact Jennifer
Waggoner of Florida Power at 813 866-5395. To find out more about
Pinellas County's artificial reef program, contact Ocean
Operations Supervisor Bob Gatland at 813 596-7302. 

CLEVELAND STADIUM MAKES WAVES 

     Fish will soon swim through Cleveland's old football
stadium. The city of Cleveland, Ohio, with the guidance of Ohio
State University's Sea Grant Extension Program, is converting its
old football stadium into an artificial barrier reef. 

     Along with the plans for construction of Cleveland's new
football stadium inevitably comes the need to demolish the old
stadium. With the stadium's demolition, hundreds of thousands of
tons of concrete rubble will require disposal. David Kelch,
district specialist for Ohio State University's Ohio Sea Grant
Program, envisioned the lakefront demoli-tion site not as a pile
of rubble, but rather as "a perfect opportunity to utilize a
tremendous amount of material." The environmental benefits and
economic incentives for adding the stadium rubble to the reef
project include: 

* Reducing the need to purchase or manufacture materials for a
new reef. 

* Greatly relieving hauling costs due to the stadium's lakeside
location, conveniently adjacent to the reef staging site, and
eliminating landfill disposal costs for the city. 

* Creating a habitat for the lake's most popular sport fish:
yellow perch, walleye, and smallmouth bass. 

* Attracting anglers from outside the area, indirectly boosting
profits in the reef communities. 

* Creating safe, accessible recreational areas for fishing and
SCUBA diving. 

     When plans for the new stadium were made public in February
1996, Kelch immediately approached the city of Cleveland with a
proposal that they donate all usable concrete for the
construction of an artificial reef in Lake Erie. When completed,
the site will be the largest freshwater, underwater artificial
reef in the world! 

     According to Kelch, the North Central Ohio Sea Grant
Committee has been constructing artificial reefs in Lake Erie
since the early 1980s. Two demonstration projects, located off
the shores of the cities of Lorain and Cleveland, have shown that
properly planned and constructed reefs can be highly successful.
Biological research conducted on the reef sites during the early
to mid-1990s indicated those reefs fostered a concentration of
fish 25 times greater than found in nonreef areas. Further, the
economic value of the Lorain reef was estimated to be $275,000
annually, more than twice the construction costs. The stadium
reef project is slated to be much larger than the existing reefs,
ensuring even greater benefits to the community. 

     To find out more about artificial reef projects, contact
David Kelch of the Ohio Sea Grant College Extension Program at
216 322-0127. 

ANIMALS REST EASY WITH FLORIDA POWER DONATIONS 

     Florida Power donations support other animal life, as well
as fish. Bengal Tigers, for example, at the Wildlife Rescue
Rehabilitation Center lounge on worn rubber blankets donated by
Florida Power. The utility also donates used rubber gloves to the
Mote Marine Laboratory, the Florida Aquarium, and the Suncoast
Seabird Sanctuary for use in handling fish and birds. 

------------------------------------------------------------

FIGHTING HUNGER THROUGH FOOD DONATIONS 

     Up to 20 percent of the food produced in this country goes
to waste. The annual value of this wasted food is estimated at
$31 billion-enough to feed roughly 49 million people. 

     Where does all of this wasted food end up? In the dumpster.
The uneaten food from your company's cafeteria can, however, go
toward feeding a hungry child or senior with the Meal-on-Wheels
program. More and more companies are partnering with food
programs, shelters, and human service agencies to put this
wholesome food where it belongs - in the mouths of needy people.
Two WasteWise partners, Boeing North American, Inc. and the New
College/ University of South Florida at Sarasota, are donating
the leftover food from their cafeterias to feed needy people in
their communities. 

     Both partners started donating their food through very
different means. Ken Jones, lead engineer with Boeing, said that
about 10 years ago, staff at the facility decided that donating
food was a socially conscious way of getting rid of the excess
food. To locate an organization that would accept leftover food,
Boeing first contacted a local food bank- LA Shares. The food
bank then put Boeing in touch with a local shelter who could use
the food. Alternately, Anne Tazewell, resource conservation
coordinator with New College, explains that in November 1996, the
university was trying to implement a food scraps composting
program. For several days, Tazewell monitored the cafeteria to
research what was being thrown away. "I was amazed to see how
much perfectly good food we threw away each day. In addition to
establishing a composting program, I contacted the Salvation Army
about donating the food to them." 

     And the rest is history. Now, the Salvation Army food
service director comes to the college cafeteria every afternoon
and picks up about 10 gallons of prepared food, which will feed
approximately 100 people. The cafeteria staff also have noticed a
small reduction in their workload. Tazewell explained, "Each day,
the Salvation Army brings our containers back washed and ready
for staff to use again." For the past 4 years, Boeing has donated
$20 to $100 worth of less perishable foods, such as bakery goods,
milk, fruit, and mistaken deliveries, each week to the
Affirmative Action shelter in Long Beach, California. Sam Vance,
food manager with Aramark, a food service contractor and also a
WasteWise partner, has been overseeing the program for Boeing for
the last 3 years. "The program is part of our daily routine. We
have a certain place we put the food during the week, and, on
Friday afternoons, shelter staff come by and pick up the food." 

     This type of program often can be established just by
talking with food service management. "Food service people see
the waste everyday, and, as long as the program is easy to
follow, most employees have been more than eager to help,"
Tazewell explained. 

     Both partners would like to expand their program. Tazewell
would like to see the entire University of South Florida system
donate their leftover food. Vance is also interested in expanding
his program and is currently looking into donating their prepared
food as well. 

     "Overall, this program gives us the feeling that we are
doing the right thing." Tazewell states, "Feeding people instead
of throwing away perfectly good food is personally satisfying." 

     Every state has a food donation or "Good Samaritan Law." In
October 1996, President Clinton signed The Bill Emerson Good
Samaritan Food Donation Act, a federal law that promotes food
recovery. This legislation limits the liability of donors to
instances of gross negligence and intentional misconduct, and
establishes nationwide uniform definitions pertaining to donation
and distribution of nutritious foods. 

     For more information on New College's food donation program
contact Anne Tazewell, resource conservation coordinator, at 941
359-5753. Sam Vance, food manager with Aramark, can be reached at
310 797-2530. To obtain a WasteWise tipsheet, Donating Leftover
Food to the Needy, please call the Helpline at 800 EPA-WISE. 

FOOD DONATION RESOURCES 

FOODCHAIN- A network of prepared and perishable food rescue
programs. Provides listings of local organizations that accept
donations and distributes them to those in need: 800 845-3008 

SECOND HARVEST- Operates a national network of local food banks
that distribute nonperishable foods: 800 532-FOOD 

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OLD BUILDING MATERIALS ERECT NEW LIFE 

     Looking for a way to get rid of your used or surplus
building materials? Many WasteWise partners have found donating
used building and construction materials to be a cost effective
and environment friendly alternative to landfilling. According to
John Lamberton of the Loading Dock-a Baltimore, Maryland-based
nonprofit organization that channels reusable building material
donations to needy organizations-the 400 manufacturers,
distributors, and contractors that donated to the organization in
1995 saved $500,000 in disposal fees (based on a $67.50 per ton),
received an estimated $220,000 in tax breaks, and prevented 7,500
tons of construction waste from entering landfills. 

     WasteWise partner Texaco Bakersfield Region knows the
benefits of donating building materials firsthand. Since 1994,
the company has donated over 4,000 tons of materials from its
office remodeling project to local nonprofit agencies. Materials,
such as ceiling tiles, mini blinds, fluorescent light fixtures,
used cabinets and sinks, curtains, and carpet that once would
have ended up in the company's waste stream, now are put back to
good use. 

     "Texaco's donation program has been a real success for both
the company and the nonprofit community of Bakersfield," explains
Jay Williams, waste management and minority business coordinator
at Texaco. In addition to providing local nonprofit organizations
with much needed materials, the donation program has helped
Texaco save over $100,000 in avoided disposal fees and earn tax
deductions on the materials donated. 

     In order to address liability concerns, Texaco requires
organizations accepting donated materials to sign an agreement of
transfer of property with terms and conditions. Materials donated
by Texaco are done on an "as is, no return basis." According to
Williams, none of the organizations benefiting from Texaco's
donation program have any trouble with this policy. 

     Williams suggests that companies interested in starting a
donation program begin by calling their local United Way office
to learn about organizations that need their support. He also
recommends that companies consider donating materials to groups
such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, Senior Centers, and Youth Clubs
that can often use the materials in fundraising events. 

     Another WasteWise partner that can provide some good advice
on donating old building materials is The Walt Disney World
Company in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Since 1993, The Walt Disney
World Resort has been actively involved in a program with the
Orange County Community Distribution Center to donate excess
construction and demolition debris to local nonprofit groups.
Last year alone, The Walt Disney World Resort saved more than
$26,000 in avoided disposal fees by donating 1.1 million pounds
of materials such as paint, floor coverings, lumber, piping, and
light fixtures. 

     According to Bryan Christiansen of Walt Disney World
Company's Environmental Initiatives Department, "Disney's
decision to initiate its building material donation program was
two-fold: one, the cost savings through avoided disposal fees,
and two, the benefit to community nonprofit agencies and
accompanying community relations exposure." When asked whether
tax benefits were also a factor in Disney's decision to donate,
Christiansen noted that the company is ineligible to receive a
tax deduction for the donated materials, since most of the items
are already covered in the depreciation of capital items. 

     For more information about Texaco's program, contact Jay
Williams at 805 392-2200. Contact Bryan Christiansen of Walt
Disney World at 407 824-7294 or via e-mail at
(bryan_christiansen@wda.disney.com). 

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EDUCATING OTHERS THROUGH CORPORATE DONATIONS 

     Donating discards not only reduces waste and cuts costs, it
also provides valuable education tools to students of all ages.
The donations of WasteWise partners Millipore Corporation and
Raytheon E-Systems have helped children looking for project
materials and adults looking to learn a new vocation. Millipore's
donations of scrap materials and discarded plastic moldings
encourage both imagination and creativity in the students who
make arts and science projects from them. Meanwhile, Raytheon
E-Systems' donation of scrap aluminum provides a much needed
medium for students to practice their technical welding skills.
Both companies agree that, while donation has significant
environmental benefits and saves them money, they do it to
promote strong corporate citizenship and good will. 

SCRAPS FROM RAYTHEON E-SYSTEMS HELP KEEP A LOCAL VOCATIONAL 
SCHOOL IN BUSINESS 

     Observant and active employees are often the key to finding
new homes for unwanted materials. Paul Boucher, an employee with
WasteWise partner Raytheon E-Systems in Saint Petersburg,
Florida, helped the company establish a unique scrap donation
program. Raytheon's Saint Petersburg facility manufactures
electronic equipment. Boucher, an employee in the company's
machine shop, also teaches welding at the Pinellas Technical
Education Center (PTEC), a local vocational school. PTEC's
welding program has a limited budget and, therefore, is unable to
purchase many needed welding materials, such as aluminum.
Recognizing the school's  need and observing the aluminum scraps
produced at Raytheon, Boucher initiated the company's donation
program with PTEC. 

     Rather than going to a recycler, 1,600 pounds of the
company's sheet and block aluminum scraps (approximately 10
percent of the total aluminum scrap generated), valued at $650,
now go to PTEC each year. Every piece of the donated aluminum is
used in the classroom-nothing goes to waste. Since Raytheon is
PTEC's only aluminum donator, this material is essential to the
success of the welding program. As described by Craig Pethe, a
Raytheon environmental engineer, "From the company's perspective,
our donation program helps create an outstanding welding program,
which produces well-trained graduates who could someday be
Raytheon employees." 

     In 1996, Raytheon received the 1995 Pinellas County
Recycling Award, in the large business category. This award
recognized the company's efforts in donating and recycling
numerous materials, including aluminum scrap. For more
information on Raytheon's Saint Petersburg donation program,
contact Craig Pethe at 813 381-2000. 

RESOURCES 

Local school districts are an excellent place to start when
looking for a donation recipient. In addition, the following
organizations accept donations for art, cultural, and educational
programs: 

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, LTD., makes available commercial,
industrial, and retail equipment to more than 130 colleges and
universities. 

Contact: Claudia Mancini Phone: 630 690-0010 

MATERIAL FOR THE ARTS, is a program of the city of New York,
Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the
Department of Sanitation. This municipally operated donation
program distributes items to nonprofit arts and cultural
organizations and programs in New York City. 

Contact: Susan Glass Phone: 212 255-5924 

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STEPS FOR SETTING UP A DONATION PROGRAM MIGHT INCLUDE: 

* Assess materials available for donation. Companies can begin by
reviewing the contents of their storage areas and examining
materials routinely thrown away. These materials might include
overstocked items; surplus finished products, such as promotional
items; or items whose packaging has changed. 

* Review liability issues. To guard against future lawsuits,
companies should review potential liabilities prior to donation. 

* Locate and contact a user or distributor for the donated
materials. Options include local chapters of national nonprofit
organizations (Salvation Army and Goodwill), national nonprofit
organizations that match materials available to materials needed
(Gifts In-Kind, The Trade Bank, and NAEIR), materials exchanges,
and local nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. 

* Confirm with the user or distributer that materials are
acceptable and needed. Often nonprofit organizations are seen as
the dumping ground for unusable or obsolete items. While
companies are doing the right thing by trying to find a reuse
avenue for the materials, providing a nonprofit organization with
materials they can not use actually increases their burden. The
distributor or user must then locate someone who can reuse the
materials or pay for their disposal. Companies are encouraged to
call ahead and check before sending any materials. Also, you may
want to confirm how transportation charges are distributed. 

* Track materials donated. Tracking the weight, volume, and value
of materials generated will help you calculate potential tax
deductions, cost savings through avoided disposal costs, and
total amount of materials diverted from landfills. Many nonprofit
organizations will provide such measurements for tax purposes.
Companies are encouraged to ask about any paperwork involved
beforehand to avoid any unnecessary hassles. 

* Publicize results. Companies can use tracking information to
report waste reduction and cost savings to WasteWise, as well as
employees, customers, and shareholders. Companies often benefit
from improved community relations as a result of donation
programs. 

------------------------------------------------------------

MILLIPORE SUPPLIES YOUNG ARTISTS 

     Toy eyeglasses, floating gardens, and a Millipore Chia
Pet'- these are just a few of the projects created by students
using materials donated to the Children's Resource Center by
WasteWise partner Millipore Corporation, which manufactures
filters for the high technology industry. The Children's Resource
Center, located in Belmont, Massachusetts, accepts a variety of
materials from Millipore for use in children's art and science
projects, including rejected plastic moldings, netting, and
almost anything conceivable that is clean and safe for children's
use. The center then sells the materials at a minimal cost
(usually items go for just pennies!) to local teachers and
parents, so the kids can have creative materials to make science,
art, and other educational projects. Last year, Millipore donated
approximately 15 cubic yards (a full truckload!) of plastics and
other miscellaneous materials to the center. Beverly Wilkins, an
environmental technician for Millipore, notes, however, "We
usually send samples of materials before sending a whole
truckload, just to make sure the material is acceptable and
useful." 

     Students occasionally send samples of their finished
products back to the company, in thanks. Millipore has created a
display of these items for all employees to enjoy. Not only do
the kids have a fun time making the toys, but Millipore employees
get a kick out of seeing creative uses for their scientific
parts. "It's important to remain open-minded about
materials-something that looks like junk, or is useless to the
company, may be very useful in encouraging creativity and
imagination in children," says Steve Dark, an environmental
engineer at Millipore. 

     For more information on Millipore's donation program,
contact Steve Dark or Beverly Wilkins at 603 532-8711. 

------------------------------------------------------------

ABBOTT LABS SAY YES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 

     As a technology driven company, WasteWise partner Abbott
Laboratories needs to stay on the cutting edge. As a result,
Abbott continually upgrades equipment to improve productivity.
While some of this equipment no longer has value to Abbott, it is
often very useful for schools and charitable organizations in the
Chicago and southeastern Wisconsin areas. The company maintains a
waiting list of requests for its old equipment, such as
computers, office furniture, lab equipment, and vehicles. When
equipment becomes available, Abbott donates it to an organization
that can use it. The company donates approximately $250,000 worth
of equipment each year to several nonprofit organizations. 

     Jim Greiner, manager of recycling says Abbott likes to
donate to local organizations. "Donating to local organizations
allows the company to reinvest in the communities in which our
employees live and enhance the corporation's public image." 

     For more information, contact Jim Greiner, manager of
recycling at Abbott Laboratories, at 847 937-8090. 

------------------------------------------------------------

WE'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! 

     If you are not yet a WasteWise partner and would like to
join, please let us know. State and local government agencies are
now welcome to join the WasteWise program. Contact us at 800
EPA-WISE for more information. 

------------------------------------------------------------

PUBLICATIONS ON DONATION AND REUSE 

     Many partners have worked successfully with local reuse
organizations to donate surplus supplies and equipment for reuse.
Local organizations are often easily accessible, which can
simplify the logistics associated with donating items. Further,
contributing locally can boost employee morale and provide a
positive source of recognition in the community. Check your
yellow pages or the publications listed below to identify local
reuse organizations and donation opportunities. 

GENERAL 

ELECTRONICS REUSE AND RECYCLING DIRECTORY. U.S. EPA This
directory provides numerous practical options for reusing and
recycling consumer electronics including computers, televisions,
video cameras, and more. The listing, organized by state, details
manufacturers with take-back programs, scrap dealers, electronics
refurbishers, charitable organizations, and materials exchanges
for electronic products. This document is available on the
Internet via EPA's Public Access Server at (http://www.epa.gov/
epaoswer/non-hw/index.htm#reduce). To order an original copy,
call the WasteWise Helpline at 800 EPA-WISE (372-9473). 

WasteWise MATERIALS EXCHANGES. EPA WASTEWI$W PROGRAM. This
listing presents materials exchanges organized by EPA Region and
includes contact information, services provided, and materials
available for exchange. To obtain a copy, call the WasteWise
Helpline at 800 EPA-WISE (372-9472). 

CHOOSE TO REUSE. NIKKI AND DAVID GOLDBECK. This book provides an
alphabetical directory containing more than 2,000 products,
services, and organizations that facilitate the reuse of goods or
offer durable alternatives to disposables. Organized by product
type, subheadings classify opportunities for maintenance, repair,
rental, remanufacture, purchase or sale of used products,
secondary reuse, and donation. Case studies throughout the
directory highlight organizations that have successfully
implemented reuse initiatives. To order, contact Ceres Press at
P.O. Box 87, Dept. CTRB, Woodstock, NY 12498. Phone/Fax: 914
679-5573. 

INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL SELF RELIANCE 

The following four publications can be ordered from the Institute
for Local Self-Reliance, 2425 18th Street NW., Washington, DC
20009-2096. Phone: 202 232-4108. Fax: 202 332-0463.
(ilsr@igc.apc.org). (http://www.ilsr.org). 

CREATING WEALTH FROM EVERYDAY ITEMS. INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL 
SELF-RELIANCE. This report profiles seven household collection
programs and six model reuse operations that handle reusable
goods. By providing data on working models and tips for
replication, this report will help recycling professionals,
economic development planners, and community-based organizations
to contain waste handling costs, meet waste reduction goals, and
link recycling with local economic development. Contact
information is provided for the 13 featured programs. 

PLUG INTO ELECTRONICS REUSE. INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL SELF-RELIANCE.
This report provides contact information for more than 150
operations that repair or recycle computers. Thirteen facilities
that focus on computer reuse are profiled in depth. 

SUSTAINING BUSINESSES & JOBS THROUGH PALLET REUSE AND REPAIR.
INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL SELF-RELIANCE. This report documents job
opportunities in the pallet repair and reuse industry and
provides data on 31 pallet reuse businesses interested in
expanding. Profiles of five enterprises detail the logistical
specifics of the pallet repair industry. Appendix lists 193
pallet repair and recycling facilities. 

WEAVING TEXTILE REUSE INTO WASTE REDUCTION. INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL
SELF-RELIANCE. By documenting 10 programs that collect discarded
textiles, this report lays out how communities can integrate
textile recycling into their existing textile infrastructure.
Tips for setting up similar textile recycling programs, such as
keeping textiles dry and partnering with local charities and
nonprofit organizations, are highlighted. An appendix lists
companies around the country that accept nonindustrial textiles
locally. 

     WasteWise maintains a listing of additional reuse
organizations, organized by EPA Region. For more information on
local reuse organizations, or to let us know about a reuse
organization your company has been involved with, please call the
WasteWise Helpline at 800 372-9473. 

NATIONAL DONATION AND REUSE ORGANIZATIONS 

     Some businesses and institutions prefer to work with
national donation and reuse organizations. National organizations
may be more appropriate and effective for situations in which the
donor company has large quantities of an over-stocked item or
excess finished products. The list below is a sampling of
national donation and reuse organizations. 

GENERAL 

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE, LTD. (EAL): EAL provides donated
commercial, industrial, and retail inventory to over 130 colleges
and universities. These institutions establish scholarships equal
to 90 percent of the inventory's value to help their neediest
students. EAL charges no membership fees. Call for EAL's free
guide explaining how companies earn tax writeoffs while helping
disadvantaged students go to college. Contact: Claudia Mancini,
P.O. Box 3021, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138. Phone: 630 690-0010. Fax:
630 690-0565. (scholar@eduassist.org). 

GIFTS IN KIND INTERNATIONAL: Gifts In Kind International operates
a program that matches donations from nearly 1,000 donor
companies with a network of 50,000 nonprofit organizations. The
organization accepts newly-manufactured products as well as used
products meeting its used equipment giving guidelines. Materials
handled include office equipment and supplies, furniture,
personal-care products, clothing, bedding and all kinds of
building supplies (no food or chemicals are accepted). Contact:
Veronica Connelly, 700 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria , VA
22314. Phone: 703 836-2121 Ext. 41. Fax: 703 549-1481.
(http://www.giftsinkind.org). 

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL: Operates more than 1,200
autonomous dropoff sites and thrift stores where donated goods
are sold to finance Goodwill's job and rehabilitation programs
for the disabled and socially disadvantaged. In addition to
typical thrift-shop merchandise such as household goods and
clothing, Goodwill accepts working vehicles of all kinds, and
many branches accept items in need of repair, for which they
employ handicapped individuals to do the work. For partners
located in the District of Columbia area, please note that EPA
awarded a grant in May 1997 to the Davis Memorial Goodwill
Institute local office to help establish a computer collection
program servicing DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Computers will be
either upgraded or repaired for sale or donation, or dismantled
for recycling. Contact: Goodwill Industries International, 9200
Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301 530-6500. TDD: 301
530-9759. Fax: 301 530-1516. (goodwill@goodwill.org).
(http://www.goodwill.org). 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES
(NAEIR): NAEIR accepts excess inventory (new, finished
merchandise) at its 450,000 square foot warehouse, where it is
distributed to more than 6,000 nonprofit member organizations
across the country. A free tax reduction toolkit that explains
the donation process and includes a formula for calculating
potential tax savings is available by calling NAEIR. Contact:
Corporate Relations, 560 McClure Street, Galesburg, IL 61401.
Phone: 800 562-0955. Fax: 309 343-0862.
(donor.naeir@misslink.net). (http://www.misslink.net/naeir/
naeir.htm). 

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army accepts most donated items of
any size, including broken items if needed repairs are minor.
Donations are sold in the Salvation Army's 1,300-plus thrift
shops, and proceeds are used to fund their drug and alcohol
rehabilitation programs. Contact: James Bradley, P.O. Box 269,
Alexandria, VA 22313. Phone: 703 684-5522. Fax: 703 684-5538.
(http://www.salvationarmyusa.org). 

THE SURPLUS EXCHANGE: The Surplus Exchange provides refurbished
computers and other business equipment to nonprofit
organizations. Surplus serves nonprofits both locally and
nationally. The organization solicits equipment donations from
companies across the nation. Contact: Rick Caplan, 1107 Hickory,
Kansas City, MO 64101. Phone: 816 472-0444. Fax: 816 472-8105. 

TRADE BANK INTERNATIONAL (TBI): TBI is a nonprofit organization
with more than 250 international nonprofit members. Through their
In-Kind Donation Management Program, TBI works with asset
recovery firms to manage the sale of donated items according to
guidelines specified by the donating  corporation. The non-profit
member (which has taken the title to the materials) receives 100
percent of the donations net value in cash and trade credits
(usable with vendors in a vast buying compendium). Contact: Elke
Lewis, 2022 Storm Drive, Falls Church, VA 22043. Phone: 703
556-0699. Fax: 703 556-9336. 

CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION 

AMERICAN SALVAGE. American Salvage buys and sells new and used
liquidation items, including building materials, office furniture
and supplies, restaurant furniture, household goods, and
warehouse supplies. (No food or clothing is accepted.) American
Salvage is a for-profit company (although it does donate some
goods to charity) that works primarily east of the Mississippi;
however, the company does some work on the west coast and is
happy to provide referrals to other salvage companies if American
Salvage cannot meet callers' needs. Contact: Terry Waldron, 9200
NW. 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33147. Phone: 305 691-2455. 

THE LOADING DOCK (TLD): The Loading Dock is a self-sufficient
non-profit organization for the reuse of building materials.
Through the partnerships The Loading Dock has established with
nonprofit housing groups, environmental organizations, local
governments, building contractors, manufacturers, and
distributors, TLD facilitates and coordinates the reuse of
building materials for low income housing production in the
Mid-Atlantic region and across the country. Materials handled
include lumber, toilets, nails, paints, carpeting, and more.
Contact: John Lambertson, 2523 Gwynns Falls Parkway, Baltimore,
MD 21216. Phone: 410 728-3625. Fax: 410 728-3633. 

EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ARTS 

CHILDREN'S RE-SOURCE CENTER: The Children's Re-Source Center is a
local nonprofit organization that accepts foam, fabric,
cardboard, and other materials from companies that have overruns,
endpieces, scraps, or other rejects that are no longer usable for
the manufacturer but which may be useful for children's arts and
crafts projects. Materials are individually priced and very
cheap, and are especially suitable for use by teachers and camps.
Contact: Sylvia Murphy or Dottie Keosaian, 42 Trapelo Road,
Belmont, MA 02178. Phone: 617 484-9290. 

MATERIAL FOR THE ARTS (MFA): MFA is a local program of the City
of New York, Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with
the Department of Sanitation. This municipally-operated donation
program distributes furniture, computers and other office
hardware, construction materials, paint, paper products, and
other media to over 1,300 nonprofit cultural organizations and
social service agencies with arts programs in New York City. MFA
has also prepared a guidance document entitled "Starting a
Materials Donation Program" for groups interested in developing
their own donations programs. Contact: Susan Glass, 410 West 16th
Street, New York, NY 10011. Phone: 212 255-5924. Fax: 212
924-1925. (materialsforthearts@Juno.com). 

FOOD DONATION RESOURCES 

FOODCHAIN: Foodchain is a network of prepared and perishable food
rescue programs. It also provides listings of local organizations
that acceptdonations and distributes them to those in need.
Contact: Jeff Whited, 912 Baltimore Street, Suite 300, Kansas
City, MO 64105. Phone: 800 845-3008. Fax: 816 842-5145.
(rescuefood@aol.com). 

SECOND HARVEST: Second Harvest distributes perishable and
nonperishable food and grocery products to the needy through a
nationwide network of nearly 200 certified affiliate food banks.
Nonfood items may fall under the categories of excess or test
product inventory, discontinued items, or mislabeled or off-spec
product, and may include such products as cleansing agents,
insecticides, laundry products, and health and beauty aides.
Second Harvest will pick up product from any location in the
United States, and also provides a nationwide listing of food
programs. Contact: Marketing Department, 116 South Michigan Ave -
Suite 4, Chicago, IL 60603. Phone: 800 771-2303 Ext.122. Fax: 312
263-4357. (grocerydonations@secondharvest.org).
(http://www.secondharvest.org). 

USDA NATIONAL HUNGER CLEARINGHOUSE'S WORLD HUNGER YEAR (WHY): WHY
provides referrals to anti-hunger and -poverty organizations
nationwide. In the interest of promoting self-reliance, food
security, and economic justice, WHY partners with and supports
grassroots organizations and conducts research and educational
outreach for policy makers, the media, and the general public.
Contact: Peggy Hupcey, 505 8th Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY
10025. Phone: 800 GLEAN-IT (453-2648). Fax: 212 465-9274.
(NHCATWHY@aol.com). (http://www.iglou.com/why/usda). 

MEDICAL SUPPLIES 

AMERICARES: AmeriCares is a private nonprofit disaster relief and
humanitarian aid organization that providesimmediate response to
emergency medical needs and supports long-term health care
programs for all people around the world. To do so, AmeriCares
obtains donations of medicines, medical supplies, and other
relief materials from American companies. AmeriCares then
delivers these materials to indigenous health and welfare
professionals in many countries. Contact: Steve Skakel, 161
Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. Phone: 800 486-HELP. Fax:
203 972-0116. (info@americares.org). (www.americares.org). 

CARELIFT INTERNATIONAL: Carelift International solicits
recyclable or reusable medical and dental equipment, supplies,
and pharmaceuticals; collects and transports medical goods to
Carelift's Service Center; and there inventories, values, and
repairs equipment and readies medical goods for shipment.
Carelift delivers and installs harvested medical and dental
goods, based on needs assessments, to hospitals in developing
countries that have requested aid. Contact: Lane Liebman, GSB
Building, Suite 425, One Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.
Phone: 610 617-0995. Fax: 610 668-0930. (carelift@netaxs.com). 

OTHER 

CARPEL VIDEO: Carpel Video purchases used video tapes for reuse
and video duplication from video production companies, television
stations, libraries, universities, and individuals, and sells
them to smaller organizations such as smaller television markets
and advertising agencies. Transportation may be provided.
Contact: Andy Carpel, 429 East Patrick Street, Frederick, MD
21701. Phone: 800 238-4300 or 301 694-8273. Fax: 301 694-9510. 

GREENDISK: GreenDisk is a company that accepts out-dated, unused
software packages, computer disks, and compact disks, from across
the country. The company cleanses, tests, erases and reformats
the disks for resale to consumers as blank, high quality disks.
The disks come preformatted and prelabeled. Contact: Janna Peach,
8124 304th Avenue, SE., Preston, WA 98050. Phone: 800 305-DISK or
425 222-7734. Fax: 425 222-7736. 

EPA UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (5306W) 

401 M Street, SW. Washington, DC 20460 

Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300