The interns solicit prospective companies and set up facility tours. During the facility tour, the audit teams develop an understanding of the processes involved in manufacturing and identify waste streams. Special attention is given to the flow of materials through the facility and waste streams generated at each step of the manufacturing process. The audit team then completes a written report. The report functions as a guide for companies, addressing waste streams and their corresponding costs, as well as minimization strategies and their corresponding savings.
Audited companies take the report findings seriously as a low cost form of technical assistance.
The waste minimization successes are particularly important, as one company's success can be used as a model for other companies. The Mahoning Valley Industrial Materials Exchange is proving to be an excellent mode of communication for industry. The newsletter is delivered to more than 1,000 manufacturers and recyclers, and all inquiries are channeled through the TDC office. This service allows the TDC to continue assisting industry in their pollution prevention efforts and reach industries that cannot be reached through the audit program. The Project designed and assisted in the implementation of an office paper and cardboard recycling program for a large steel manufacturer.