HWTR > Pollution Prevention> P2 Success Stories

Pollution Prevention Success Stories

Learn how companies have successfully reduced the amount of dangerous waste they produce, streamlined production processes, and saved money by implementing pollution prevention practices.

SunOpta

SunOpta Healthy Fruit Snacks, a food processor in Omak, set goals to improve efficiencies and cut waste in their operations. The Omak facility saves $98,000 per year, through more efficient use of cold storage space ($84,000), recycling pallets ($10,000) and replacing paper towels with efficient air hand dryers ($3,900).

Accra-Fab

Accra-Fab, Inc. performs custom metal fabrication and manufacturing.  They set a goal to reduce time and money spent handling wastewater.  Learn how they saved $187,000 annually, reduced acidic wastewater generation by nearly 95%, and chemical use by about 50%.  These changes freed up floor space and increased production capacity.

Decagon Devices

Decagon Devices, in Pullman, manufactures electronic sensors for the food, environmental research, and agriculture industries. In 2009, Decagon began a two-year project to reduce their use of lead and improve other aspects of their manufacturing. By 2011, they will have eliminated the annual use of 105 pounds of lead, which also avoids the costly disposal of lead-bearing hazardous waste.

Artisan Finishing Systems,

Artisan Finishing Systems, in Marysville, applies exterior architectural coatings to aluminum materials. They seek continuous improvement in all processes including metal preparation, painting, and facility management. They encourage customers to choose high performance paints. These paints produce less greenhouse gas and do not need recoating, reducing the amount of paint and solvent needed. Artisan also changed their metal preparation process to use recycled wastewater, which cut their water use by more than  75,000 gallons per day.

Crown Beverage Packaging

Crown Beverage Packaging, Inc. is a can manufacturing facility in Olympia. In 1991 they were a large quantity generator of dangerous waste. But by working with Ecology, Crown has decreased use of hazardous substances and their generation of hazardous waste, while remaining at relatively constant production levels. During the last pollution prevention planning period (2001-2006), Crown reduced hazardous waste generation by 70%.
 

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