Description
Waste prevention is a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of materials entering the waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. It is a strategy which calls for consumers to think first before buying any material or service, evaluating practices and products not only on price and quality but also on durability, reusability, recyclability, and content.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project
Final Report
October 1997 - September 1998
This information was compiled and written by Matina Wagner
as a part of the Florida Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project
Printed on recycled paper, of course!
Table of Contents
Section
Acknowledgements
1.0 Description
2.0 Overview
3.0 Project Goals
4.0 Project Schedule
5.0 Profile of Properties
5.1 Amelia Island Plantation
5.1 (a) Recommendations
5.1 (b) Waste Generation Information
5.2 Comfort Suites Maingate
5.2 (a) Recommendations
5.2 (b) Waste Generation Information
5.3 Bahama House
5.3 (a) Recommendations
5.3 (b) Waste Generation Information
6.0 Summary
Appendix
Resource Contact Listing
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FDEP has implemented this pilot project with assistance from the Florida Hotel Motel
Association, American Hotel Motel Association, Solid Waste Management Association of
North America (SWANA), Recycle Florida Today (RFT) and an advisory group consisting
of more than twenty hotel/ motel and solid waste management professionals. This
project could not have been successful without the following individuals:
Dick Burns, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Jamie Christoff, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Nancy Copen, Solid Waste Association of North America
Patsy Danahy, St. Johns County Solid Waste
Dan Darrow, Palm Management Group/ WDW
Jeff Darrow, Georgia Hospitality Group
Bob Davis, Treasure Island Inn
Larry Dingman, Amelia Island Plantation
Libby Gallant, Bahama House
Betsy Galocy, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Karen Green, Walt Disney World Co. Environmental Initiatives
Michael Gush, Comfort Suites Maingate
Mark Harris, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Barbara Heller, Keep Daytona Beach Beautiful
Margaret Hodge, Volusia County Solid Waste
Katherine Hurt, Orange County Cooperative Extension Service
Pierce Jones, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Lisa Max, Planet Recycle/ Recycle Florida Today
Bob McIntyre, Nassau County Solid Waste
Nancy Mellor, Brevard County Solid Waste
Ray Moreau, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Carol Morris, Amelia Island Plantation
Dick Palmer, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Carol Parker, Florida Hotel Motel Association
Danny Shaeffer, Osceola County Solid Waste
John Steele, Hilton at Walt Disney World Village
Christopher Stone, Polk County Solid Waste
Bernadette Thavarajah, Polk County Solid Waste
Matina Wagner, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Tom Waits, Florida Hotel Motel Association
Mariam Zimms, Florida Power & Light/ SWANA Florida Sunshine Chapter
1.0 Project Description
During the past twelve months, staff has worked with representatives from the Florida
Hotel/Motel Association, local recycling coordinators, solid waste management
professionals, the University of Florida's Energy Extension Office, and several volunteer
hotel properties to collect, study, and communicate information about waste reduction
efforts in the lodging industry. There is still much to do and help is needed to spread the
word and encourage this important industry to practice proactive waste reduction.
2.0 Overview
Waste prevention is a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of materials entering the
waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. It is a strategy which calls for
consumers to think first before buying any material or service, evaluating practices and
products not only on price and quality but also on durability, reusability, recyclability, and
content. It may mean changing the way things are done or how a product is packaged.
Waste prevention is a resource management technique that can save industry money while
helping the environment. Waste management is a growing issue throughout the world. In
Florida, despite aggressive waste management programs and a statewide recycling rate of
40%, over 10 million tons of garbage is still landfilled in Florida annually.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to encourage the Florida
Hotel/Motel Industry to become more knowledgeable and involved in recycling and waste
reduction programs. Florida’s tourism industries serve an estimated 44 million visitors
annually. Over 50% of these visitors are hotel guests during some or all of their
vacations. The waste generated by these guests constitutes a large portion of the State’s
commercial waste stream.
In 1993, the University of Florida Energy Extension Service developed and distributed
a kit entitled Managing Wastes in Hotels/Motels. However, the impacts of this project
were never determined and currently there is still only minimal information on waste
reduction in Florida’s Hotel/Motel businesses. In addition, although there is a variety of
hotel/motel waste reduction information available nationwide through local and state
programs, Florida’s Lodging Industry does not have a central source for these materials.
In spring 1997 Ray Moreau, Manager of the Waste Reduction Section, started
formulating a plan to attack some of these concerns. He applied to Region IV of the
United States Environmental Protection Agency for project funding. In October 1997,
EPA granted approximately $30,000 to initiate the Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project.
In October 1997, Matina Wagner, was hired part-time to coordinate the project. The
project goals (section 2.0) and the project schedule (section 3.0) were mapped out and
agreed upon.
FDEP partnered with the Florida Hotel Motel Association to locate candidate
properties in the Large (over 400 rooms), Medium (101 to 399 rooms), and Small (up to
100 rooms) categories. The three property’s chosen were Amelia Island Plantation in
Nassau County, Comfort Suites Maingate in Osceola County, and the Bahama House in
Volusia County. These properties were chosen for their dedication to continuous
improvement.
Next, an Advisory Group was created, made up of Hotel Representatives, County
Recycling Coordinators, Energy Extension Service personnel, FDEP Waste Reduction and
Pollution Prevention staff members, Industry Representatives. This advisory group served
as a sounding board for reviewing systems, processes, materials, as well as a source for
ideas and problem solving.
The Advisory Group reviewed the Managing Wastes in Hotels/Motels kit and made
recommendations for updates/improvements. The product of these recommendations is a
rewritten copy of the original workbook. In addition, discussions were held with the
Florida Energy Extension Service and a plan was formulated for continuous education of
the Lodging Industry on resource conservation issues. Pierce Jones of the University of
Florida Energy Extension Office continues to seek funding for this project.
The initial audits were performed during the week of December 19, 1997. During
these audits, all areas of the three properties were scrutinized. Purchasing, inventory and
solid waste/recycling records were reviewed. Staff was interviewed from each area of the
hotel by a panel. This panel included the local Advisory Group members, Waste
Reduction and Pollution Prevention staff. Next a walk-through of each area of the hotels
was performed.
The results of these intensive audits were a set of recommendations for each property
broken into specific operating areas, which were distributed in January. Implementation
of the recommendations was tracked closely for the next six months. During this period
solid waste and recycling generation data was collected. This information is available in
the appendix of this report.
As anticipated, the largest and oldest of the three properties, Amelia Island Plantation,
had the most opportunities for waste reduction. The smallest facility, the Bahama
House, had fewer challenges. The medium sized Comfort Suites Maingate, had only
recently been constructed and had built in many of the industry’s latest waste reduction
innovations.
3.0 Project Goals
Goal 1
Refocus and update Florida’s past hotel/motel waste reduction efforts,
services, and products.
Goal 2
Conduct demonstration hotel/motel waste reduction audits on three select
properties (small, medium, large).
Goal 3
Measure waste stream reduction in the three pilot properties during the grant
period to demonstrate the viability and economics of hotel/motel waste
reduction in Florida.
Goal 4
Evaluate, report, and communicate findings on the impact of waste
reduction demonstration projects to the Florida hotel/ motel and solid waste
interests.
Goal 5
Develop and update informational resources (newsletter,
information sheets, work book, etc.)
5.0 Profile of Properties Selected for Pilot Project
The Florida Hotel/Motel Association made recommendations for hotels that would fit the
categories and had demonstrated a progressive management style. In addition to the
candidate hotels, the FHMA also suggested several environmentally award-winning
properties to act as possible mentors for the project. The FDEP team reviewed the
recommendations as well as their geographic locations. After phone interviews, three
properties were chosen: Large category - Amelia Island Plantation, medium category –
Comfort Suites Maingate, small category – The Bahama House. The properties chosen for
the project exhibited enthusiasm and willingness to participate in the year long project.
Each property assigned one or more staff representatives to the project.
5.1 Amelia Island Plantation
This facility, selected to represent the large property category, is located on Amelia
Island just off the northeast coast of Florida. Amelia Island is in Nassau County and the
closest Solid Waste Management Facilities are over forty-five miles away in Callahan.
Robert McIntyre, Nassau County’s Solid Waste Director, served on the project advisory
board and assisted throughout this project. The management at Amelia Island Plantation
assigned Carol Morris, Director of Training & Development, and Larry Dingman,
Manager of Landscape Services, to represent them and serve on the project advisory
board.
Amelia Island Plantation has overcome many challenges to become a leader in the
waste prevention effort. This Sterling Award winning resort has 700 accommodations,
five restaurants, more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and three golf courses.
The staff at Amelia Island Plantation has made a commitment to the environment, which
is evident in their proactive waste reduction and recycling program as well as their
interactive guest and employee environmental initiatives. With a staff of more than 1000,
the resort, which is spread over 1350 acres, has been evolving for more than twenty years.
As a result, communication is a key issue.
The "Green Team" which is made up of representatives from many of the 38
departments, oversees the environmental programs. They meet monthly and spread the
word about program changes and results via the employee newsletter, The Seabreeze. The
staff currently recycles office paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, telephone books,
aluminum cans, scrap metal, and yard waste. Landscape waste is also being mulched and
used as groundcover.
During the project Amelia Island Plantation addressed waste reduction issues ranging
from food & beverage, inventory management, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance,
documentation, communication, and training. Implementing forty-four of the fifty-seven
recommendations, Amelia Island has improved their documentation procedures and
increased their purchase of recovered materials. They have held two employee
educational events. The first, a day long Awareness Fair and the other a Hazardous Waste
Awareness Workshop. Both events were well attended and participants were very
enthusiastic about the information they received. In addition, they have recycled tons of
archived files, purged the deadstock from the warehouse, and held a public sale for items
that were no longer needed or donated them to local charities.
5.2 Comfort Suites Maingate, Kissimmee
This facility, selected to represent the medium property category, is located in
Kissimmee, on U.S. Highway 192 just south of the Walt Disney World Resort Complex.
Kissimmee is located in Osceola County and the nearest accessible Solid Waste
Management Facilities are less than fifteen miles away but the drive on an average day
can take forty five minutes. Danny Scheaffer, Osceola County Recycling Coordinator
served on the project advisory board and assisted throughout this project. The
management at Comfort Suites Maingate assigned Mike Gush, Assistant Hotel Manager
to represent them and serve on the project advisory board.
The Comfort Suites Maingate opened in the fall of 1997 and is fortunate to have many
conservation devices and amenities built into its operation. This hotel is a three-story
hotel with 250 guestrooms and two small food & beverage locations. A staff of 150
works round the clock shifts, therefore consistent communication is an important factor.
The staff currently collects cardboard from the kitchen area, aluminum cans, and plastic
six pack rings for recycling.
During the project Comfort Suites Maingate addressed waste reduction issues ranging
from food & beverage, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance, documentation,
communication, and training. They have instituted an employee newsletter, including
waste reduction information in their staff meetings and employee orientation.
Implementing twenty three of the twenty six recommendations, Comfort Suites now has
an in-room recycling program, started purchasing recovered materials, improved their
training for hazardous waste handling, and is providing ongoing education for their staff
on waste reduction issues.
5.3 Bahama House, Daytona Beach Shores
This facility, selected to represent the small property category, is located just south of
Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach Shores is in Volusia County, which has a mandatory
recycling ordinance. The closest Solid Waste Management Facilities are over twenty
miles away in Daytona. Margaret Hodge, Volusia County’s Recycling Coordinator served
on the project advisory board. The property owner, Oceans Eleven, assigned Libby
Gallant, the Hotel’s General Manager to represent them and serve on the project advisory
board.
Bahama House is a three-year-old high rise hotel on the beach with eighty-seven
rooms. With an enthusiastic management staff and less than fifty employees, word
spreads quickly. Education has been accomplished by using a staff newsletter, employee
orientation, postings on the communication boards, and through regular staff meetings.
The employees actively support the waste reduction program and have been very
proactive with implementing their ideas. A neighboring environmentally award winning
sister property, the Treasure Island Inn, has also mentored this hotel. Bob Davis,
Treasurer Island’s General Manager has also served on the Project’s Advisory Group.
Each guestroom sports a separate recycling container. Cardboard is taken to the Inn
for baling while a local vendor picks up commingled recyclables (aluminum/steel cans,
plastic/glass bottles, news/office paper). Telephone books are taken to the community
drop-off center, old linens and towels are turned into rags, and along with five gallon
buckets are reused internally. Bibles are donated to a religious organization. Pool
furniture and appliances are repaired or donated. Scrap Metal is collected and taken to a
local scrap dealer. Eco-purchasing has become a standard practice, and employee policies
are in place to cover everything from handling hazardous waste to procurement of
recovered materials. By reducing the waste set out for disposal, Bahama House has been
able to reduce their solid waste services and document their savings.
During the project Bahama House addressed waste reduction issues ranging from food
& beverage, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance, documentation, communication, and
training. They have instituted a flyer for guest education and include the results of their
waste reduction program in routine staff meetings. Implementing sixteen of the twenty
two recommendations, Bahama House has a begun a buy recycled campaign, which
included a notice to all vendors that they were a green property and requesting input on
alternative products. They are making a concentrated effort and require justification for
any product, which is not environmentally superior.
6.0 Findings
Although this study was limited to three hotels there are still some general assumptions
that can be made. All three of the properties are progressively managed and actively
supported this project, which is the first step in implementing a successful waste reduction
project. However, there were issues that were common challenges in all three locations.
Accessibility to informed assistance. The representatives admitted needing outside help
to research, analyze, and the monitor waste reduction initiatives. Each of the
representatives had other management duties and waste reduction was an additional duty
that was piled onto their already full plates. Many waste management issues and practices
are area and facility specific, therefore there is an ongoing need for preventative
inspections by an outside authority. In addition, the hotel representatives seemed to dread
contacting waste haulers to negotiate right sizing containers and correcting collection
frequencies. Dumpster contracts and collection charges were not well understood and
all three properties were picked up on a routine schedule rather than as needed which
created at least some unnecessary charges. Volume and compaction considerations had
not been considered when sizing or locating waste containers. In addition, the location
of property may limit service choices and options.
The absence of "green" purchasing practices both in products and services. At the
start of the project, there were no standardized policies that gave preference to products
manufactured from recovered materials or required life cycle costing. Purchasing
agents were not scrutinizing disposal contracts or trying to find the most
environmentally sensitive or alternative products to minimize packaging or waste.
Implementing eco-purchasing programs in hotels will require major paradigm shifts for
managers and purchasing agents.
Lack of continuous educational opportunities. Although there is a need for proper
handling and material control, especially with special or hazardous wastes, there is no on-
going training program for Lodging Professionals on waste reduction issues available
within a reasonable geographic distance. This project uncovered problems with the
management of both liquid and solid waste, some of which was considered hazardous.
One hotel was stockpiling material because they didn’t know what to do with them and
when they tried to get information from their local authorities it was confusing and
contrary. Hotels need to have regular training on materials/inventory management,
including purchasing, handling, storage, disposal, and documentation.
Minimal feedback or education for employees or guests. In addition, at the onset of the
project, each of the hotels had very little consistent employee and guest education or
feedback of waste reduction initiatives or their benefits. As soon as the employees and
guests were informed about the programs and their benefits, both the volume and quality
of recovered materials increased. In addition, awareness of safety issues concerning waste
handling has been proven to reduce both liability and disposal costs. It is a fact that hotels
have notoriously high staff turnover and to maintain quality, employee education must be
both consistent and constant.
No established industry standards for documenting the value of waste reduction
activities. Materials were disposed of with no thought to economic or environmental
impact. There was no central authority for disposal decisions or information. At
Bahama House, the general manager realized economic savings after delegating
ownership of the solid waste budget to the supervision of an operating area. Further,
evaluation of the disposal charges, demonstrated that the closer the waste generation
was monitored, the less the hotels cost for disposal. In addition, during the project, all
three hotels donated at least some of their unneeded furniture and or equipment to local
charities and are eligible to receive tax write-off benefits. The documentation of these
successes not only helps to maintain management’s interest in the waste reduction
efforts but can justify the operational expenses for a proactive waste management
program.
7.0 Summary
This grant project scratched the surface of an important issue. It demonstrated that
with ongoing advisory assistance, the lodging industry could implement waste reduction
programs that achieve results both in minimizing waste and reducing costs. Without a
mentoring force though, these programs may fall by the wayside. Waste reduction will
take a back seat to the more important business of guest service and hotel operations.
Currently the three pilot hotels have a good general knowledge of waste reduction
activities in their industry. The management in the functional areas of each of these
properties is now also familiar with the initiatives in their respective areas. There is a
high level of support and wide spread enthusiasm for this project. The representatives
all agree that as the grant period ends and the information stream dries to a trickle there
will be less management emphasis on “waste watching” and this support will fade.
The next steps in the area of hotel/ motel waste reduction include:
• Establishing a preventative audit process and long term monitoring at low or no
cost to hotel properties
• Coordinating with the University of Florida to create Waste Reduction & Buy
Recycled Workshop and training materials
• Documenting and measuring existing Florida Hotel/Motel programs
• Creating easy to access informational and educational materials for Hotel/Motel
properties (Audio/Visual and written materials as well as internet accessible
documents and data) and publicizing these resources.
REFERENCES
The following people may be helpful in obtaining additional information on pollution
prevention, regulatory and other environmental issues relevant to your business:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee Offices
Bureau of Solid & Hazardous Waste 904/ 488-0300
2600 Blairstone Road 904/ 921-8061 fax
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Waste Reduction Section (WRS) 904/ 488-0300
2600 Blairstone Road 904/ 921-8061 fax
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
For additional information on recycling and waste reduction contact:-
Jaime Christoff - Recycling 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Matina Wagner - Hotel/ Motel Waste Reduction Project 941/ 424-5646
[email protected] 941/ 420-8050 fax
Pollution Prevention Information
For additional information on pollution prevention, see the web site at
http:/ / WWW.DEP.STATE.FL.US/ WASTE/ PROGRAMS/ P2/ INDEX.HTM
or contact:
Administration
Julie Abcarian, Manager - Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 921-9227
[email protected]
Technical Assistance
John Scarboro, Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Marc Harris, Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 921-9231
[email protected]
Dick Burns, Pollution Prevention Program 407/ 295-9451
BURNS_R@A1@ORL1
State Regulations Information
For additional information on hazardous waste, water, and air regulations, see the web
site at http:/ / WWW.DEO.STATE.FL.US./ or contact:
Air Quality and Regulations
Lorraine Clark, Small Business Assistance Program 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling Regulations
Glen Perrigan, Hazardous Waste Management Section 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Used Oils Storage and Handling Regulations
Rick Neves, Hazardous Waste Management Section 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
For additional information on hazardous waste, water, and air questions contact:
Central District Office, Orlando
3319 Maguire Blvd, Suite 323 407/ 894-7555
Orlando, Florida 32803-3767 407/ 897-2966 fax
Automotive Emissions
Lou Nichols, Air Section 407/ 893-3333
[email protected]
Air Conditional Service
Sheila Schneider, Air Section 407/ 893-3336
[email protected]
Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling Reguations
Used Oils Storage and Handling
Bob Snyder, Hazardous Waste Management Section 407/ 893-7555
[email protected]
Painting Issues
Pat Washington, Air Section 407/ 893-3333
[email protected]
Northeast District (NED)
7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200 904/ 448-4300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577 904/ 448-4366 fax
Northeast District Branch Office, Gainesville
Patricia Reynolds 352/ 333-2850
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
101 Northwest 75th Street, Suite 3
Gainesville, FL 32607
Hotline Numbers for Additional Information
RCRA 800/ 424-9346
Wetlands 800/ 832-7828
Storm Water (EPA Region 6) 800/ 245-6510
OSHA General Information 202/ 219-8148
Solid Waste Information Exchange (SWIX)
Ray Moreau, Director 850/ 986-6280
[email protected] 850/ 386-4321
Miscellaneous Information
Laser Printer Cartridge Recycling
Ja-Mar Laser Industries 800/ 776-3233
3M Transparancy Recycling 800/ 952-4059
Tyvek Envelopes 800/ 448-9835
Toilet Paper Saver
Dale Lukaart 407/ 295-7164
Six Pack Ring Recycling
ITW Hi-Cone
1140 West Bryn Mawr Avenue 630/ 773-3015 fax
Itasca, Illinois 60143
www.ringleader.com
Sandy Hammi ([email protected]) 630/ 773-9330
Prepared/ Unused Food
Food Chain - Nation Food Rescue Network -
Prepared Food Recovery Program
Jeff Whited, Manager 800/ 845-3008
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
2008 Brengle Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32808
Vicki Littell, Second Helpings Manager 407/ 295-1066
Second Harvest Food Bank - Daytona Beach 904/ 257-4499
Mary Lloyd, Manager
Jacksonville Area - First Coast Food Runners 904/ 353-3663
Tim Davis, Manager
Steel Can Recycling
Steel Can Recycling Institute (SCI)
Contact: Suzette Miller 850/ 479-7208
[email protected]
doc_146602202.pdf
Waste prevention is a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of materials entering the waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. It is a strategy which calls for consumers to think first before buying any material or service, evaluating practices and products not only on price and quality but also on durability, reusability, recyclability, and content.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project
Final Report
October 1997 - September 1998
This information was compiled and written by Matina Wagner
as a part of the Florida Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project
Printed on recycled paper, of course!
Table of Contents
Section
Acknowledgements
1.0 Description
2.0 Overview
3.0 Project Goals
4.0 Project Schedule
5.0 Profile of Properties
5.1 Amelia Island Plantation
5.1 (a) Recommendations
5.1 (b) Waste Generation Information
5.2 Comfort Suites Maingate
5.2 (a) Recommendations
5.2 (b) Waste Generation Information
5.3 Bahama House
5.3 (a) Recommendations
5.3 (b) Waste Generation Information
6.0 Summary
Appendix
Resource Contact Listing
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FDEP has implemented this pilot project with assistance from the Florida Hotel Motel
Association, American Hotel Motel Association, Solid Waste Management Association of
North America (SWANA), Recycle Florida Today (RFT) and an advisory group consisting
of more than twenty hotel/ motel and solid waste management professionals. This
project could not have been successful without the following individuals:
Dick Burns, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Jamie Christoff, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Nancy Copen, Solid Waste Association of North America
Patsy Danahy, St. Johns County Solid Waste
Dan Darrow, Palm Management Group/ WDW
Jeff Darrow, Georgia Hospitality Group
Bob Davis, Treasure Island Inn
Larry Dingman, Amelia Island Plantation
Libby Gallant, Bahama House
Betsy Galocy, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Karen Green, Walt Disney World Co. Environmental Initiatives
Michael Gush, Comfort Suites Maingate
Mark Harris, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Barbara Heller, Keep Daytona Beach Beautiful
Margaret Hodge, Volusia County Solid Waste
Katherine Hurt, Orange County Cooperative Extension Service
Pierce Jones, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
Lisa Max, Planet Recycle/ Recycle Florida Today
Bob McIntyre, Nassau County Solid Waste
Nancy Mellor, Brevard County Solid Waste
Ray Moreau, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Carol Morris, Amelia Island Plantation
Dick Palmer, FDEP Pollution Prevention Program
Carol Parker, Florida Hotel Motel Association
Danny Shaeffer, Osceola County Solid Waste
John Steele, Hilton at Walt Disney World Village
Christopher Stone, Polk County Solid Waste
Bernadette Thavarajah, Polk County Solid Waste
Matina Wagner, FDEP Waste Reduction Section
Tom Waits, Florida Hotel Motel Association
Mariam Zimms, Florida Power & Light/ SWANA Florida Sunshine Chapter
1.0 Project Description
During the past twelve months, staff has worked with representatives from the Florida
Hotel/Motel Association, local recycling coordinators, solid waste management
professionals, the University of Florida's Energy Extension Office, and several volunteer
hotel properties to collect, study, and communicate information about waste reduction
efforts in the lodging industry. There is still much to do and help is needed to spread the
word and encourage this important industry to practice proactive waste reduction.
2.0 Overview
Waste prevention is a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of materials entering the
waste stream prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. It is a strategy which calls for
consumers to think first before buying any material or service, evaluating practices and
products not only on price and quality but also on durability, reusability, recyclability, and
content. It may mean changing the way things are done or how a product is packaged.
Waste prevention is a resource management technique that can save industry money while
helping the environment. Waste management is a growing issue throughout the world. In
Florida, despite aggressive waste management programs and a statewide recycling rate of
40%, over 10 million tons of garbage is still landfilled in Florida annually.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection wants to encourage the Florida
Hotel/Motel Industry to become more knowledgeable and involved in recycling and waste
reduction programs. Florida’s tourism industries serve an estimated 44 million visitors
annually. Over 50% of these visitors are hotel guests during some or all of their
vacations. The waste generated by these guests constitutes a large portion of the State’s
commercial waste stream.
In 1993, the University of Florida Energy Extension Service developed and distributed
a kit entitled Managing Wastes in Hotels/Motels. However, the impacts of this project
were never determined and currently there is still only minimal information on waste
reduction in Florida’s Hotel/Motel businesses. In addition, although there is a variety of
hotel/motel waste reduction information available nationwide through local and state
programs, Florida’s Lodging Industry does not have a central source for these materials.
In spring 1997 Ray Moreau, Manager of the Waste Reduction Section, started
formulating a plan to attack some of these concerns. He applied to Region IV of the
United States Environmental Protection Agency for project funding. In October 1997,
EPA granted approximately $30,000 to initiate the Hotel/Motel Waste Reduction Project.
In October 1997, Matina Wagner, was hired part-time to coordinate the project. The
project goals (section 2.0) and the project schedule (section 3.0) were mapped out and
agreed upon.
FDEP partnered with the Florida Hotel Motel Association to locate candidate
properties in the Large (over 400 rooms), Medium (101 to 399 rooms), and Small (up to
100 rooms) categories. The three property’s chosen were Amelia Island Plantation in
Nassau County, Comfort Suites Maingate in Osceola County, and the Bahama House in
Volusia County. These properties were chosen for their dedication to continuous
improvement.
Next, an Advisory Group was created, made up of Hotel Representatives, County
Recycling Coordinators, Energy Extension Service personnel, FDEP Waste Reduction and
Pollution Prevention staff members, Industry Representatives. This advisory group served
as a sounding board for reviewing systems, processes, materials, as well as a source for
ideas and problem solving.
The Advisory Group reviewed the Managing Wastes in Hotels/Motels kit and made
recommendations for updates/improvements. The product of these recommendations is a
rewritten copy of the original workbook. In addition, discussions were held with the
Florida Energy Extension Service and a plan was formulated for continuous education of
the Lodging Industry on resource conservation issues. Pierce Jones of the University of
Florida Energy Extension Office continues to seek funding for this project.
The initial audits were performed during the week of December 19, 1997. During
these audits, all areas of the three properties were scrutinized. Purchasing, inventory and
solid waste/recycling records were reviewed. Staff was interviewed from each area of the
hotel by a panel. This panel included the local Advisory Group members, Waste
Reduction and Pollution Prevention staff. Next a walk-through of each area of the hotels
was performed.
The results of these intensive audits were a set of recommendations for each property
broken into specific operating areas, which were distributed in January. Implementation
of the recommendations was tracked closely for the next six months. During this period
solid waste and recycling generation data was collected. This information is available in
the appendix of this report.
As anticipated, the largest and oldest of the three properties, Amelia Island Plantation,
had the most opportunities for waste reduction. The smallest facility, the Bahama
House, had fewer challenges. The medium sized Comfort Suites Maingate, had only
recently been constructed and had built in many of the industry’s latest waste reduction
innovations.
3.0 Project Goals
Goal 1
Refocus and update Florida’s past hotel/motel waste reduction efforts,
services, and products.
Goal 2
Conduct demonstration hotel/motel waste reduction audits on three select
properties (small, medium, large).
Goal 3
Measure waste stream reduction in the three pilot properties during the grant
period to demonstrate the viability and economics of hotel/motel waste
reduction in Florida.
Goal 4
Evaluate, report, and communicate findings on the impact of waste
reduction demonstration projects to the Florida hotel/ motel and solid waste
interests.
Goal 5
Develop and update informational resources (newsletter,
information sheets, work book, etc.)
5.0 Profile of Properties Selected for Pilot Project
The Florida Hotel/Motel Association made recommendations for hotels that would fit the
categories and had demonstrated a progressive management style. In addition to the
candidate hotels, the FHMA also suggested several environmentally award-winning
properties to act as possible mentors for the project. The FDEP team reviewed the
recommendations as well as their geographic locations. After phone interviews, three
properties were chosen: Large category - Amelia Island Plantation, medium category –
Comfort Suites Maingate, small category – The Bahama House. The properties chosen for
the project exhibited enthusiasm and willingness to participate in the year long project.
Each property assigned one or more staff representatives to the project.
5.1 Amelia Island Plantation
This facility, selected to represent the large property category, is located on Amelia
Island just off the northeast coast of Florida. Amelia Island is in Nassau County and the
closest Solid Waste Management Facilities are over forty-five miles away in Callahan.
Robert McIntyre, Nassau County’s Solid Waste Director, served on the project advisory
board and assisted throughout this project. The management at Amelia Island Plantation
assigned Carol Morris, Director of Training & Development, and Larry Dingman,
Manager of Landscape Services, to represent them and serve on the project advisory
board.
Amelia Island Plantation has overcome many challenges to become a leader in the
waste prevention effort. This Sterling Award winning resort has 700 accommodations,
five restaurants, more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and three golf courses.
The staff at Amelia Island Plantation has made a commitment to the environment, which
is evident in their proactive waste reduction and recycling program as well as their
interactive guest and employee environmental initiatives. With a staff of more than 1000,
the resort, which is spread over 1350 acres, has been evolving for more than twenty years.
As a result, communication is a key issue.
The "Green Team" which is made up of representatives from many of the 38
departments, oversees the environmental programs. They meet monthly and spread the
word about program changes and results via the employee newsletter, The Seabreeze. The
staff currently recycles office paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, telephone books,
aluminum cans, scrap metal, and yard waste. Landscape waste is also being mulched and
used as groundcover.
During the project Amelia Island Plantation addressed waste reduction issues ranging
from food & beverage, inventory management, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance,
documentation, communication, and training. Implementing forty-four of the fifty-seven
recommendations, Amelia Island has improved their documentation procedures and
increased their purchase of recovered materials. They have held two employee
educational events. The first, a day long Awareness Fair and the other a Hazardous Waste
Awareness Workshop. Both events were well attended and participants were very
enthusiastic about the information they received. In addition, they have recycled tons of
archived files, purged the deadstock from the warehouse, and held a public sale for items
that were no longer needed or donated them to local charities.
5.2 Comfort Suites Maingate, Kissimmee
This facility, selected to represent the medium property category, is located in
Kissimmee, on U.S. Highway 192 just south of the Walt Disney World Resort Complex.
Kissimmee is located in Osceola County and the nearest accessible Solid Waste
Management Facilities are less than fifteen miles away but the drive on an average day
can take forty five minutes. Danny Scheaffer, Osceola County Recycling Coordinator
served on the project advisory board and assisted throughout this project. The
management at Comfort Suites Maingate assigned Mike Gush, Assistant Hotel Manager
to represent them and serve on the project advisory board.
The Comfort Suites Maingate opened in the fall of 1997 and is fortunate to have many
conservation devices and amenities built into its operation. This hotel is a three-story
hotel with 250 guestrooms and two small food & beverage locations. A staff of 150
works round the clock shifts, therefore consistent communication is an important factor.
The staff currently collects cardboard from the kitchen area, aluminum cans, and plastic
six pack rings for recycling.
During the project Comfort Suites Maingate addressed waste reduction issues ranging
from food & beverage, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance, documentation,
communication, and training. They have instituted an employee newsletter, including
waste reduction information in their staff meetings and employee orientation.
Implementing twenty three of the twenty six recommendations, Comfort Suites now has
an in-room recycling program, started purchasing recovered materials, improved their
training for hazardous waste handling, and is providing ongoing education for their staff
on waste reduction issues.
5.3 Bahama House, Daytona Beach Shores
This facility, selected to represent the small property category, is located just south of
Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach Shores is in Volusia County, which has a mandatory
recycling ordinance. The closest Solid Waste Management Facilities are over twenty
miles away in Daytona. Margaret Hodge, Volusia County’s Recycling Coordinator served
on the project advisory board. The property owner, Oceans Eleven, assigned Libby
Gallant, the Hotel’s General Manager to represent them and serve on the project advisory
board.
Bahama House is a three-year-old high rise hotel on the beach with eighty-seven
rooms. With an enthusiastic management staff and less than fifty employees, word
spreads quickly. Education has been accomplished by using a staff newsletter, employee
orientation, postings on the communication boards, and through regular staff meetings.
The employees actively support the waste reduction program and have been very
proactive with implementing their ideas. A neighboring environmentally award winning
sister property, the Treasure Island Inn, has also mentored this hotel. Bob Davis,
Treasurer Island’s General Manager has also served on the Project’s Advisory Group.
Each guestroom sports a separate recycling container. Cardboard is taken to the Inn
for baling while a local vendor picks up commingled recyclables (aluminum/steel cans,
plastic/glass bottles, news/office paper). Telephone books are taken to the community
drop-off center, old linens and towels are turned into rags, and along with five gallon
buckets are reused internally. Bibles are donated to a religious organization. Pool
furniture and appliances are repaired or donated. Scrap Metal is collected and taken to a
local scrap dealer. Eco-purchasing has become a standard practice, and employee policies
are in place to cover everything from handling hazardous waste to procurement of
recovered materials. By reducing the waste set out for disposal, Bahama House has been
able to reduce their solid waste services and document their savings.
During the project Bahama House addressed waste reduction issues ranging from food
& beverage, purchasing, housekeeping, maintenance, documentation, communication, and
training. They have instituted a flyer for guest education and include the results of their
waste reduction program in routine staff meetings. Implementing sixteen of the twenty
two recommendations, Bahama House has a begun a buy recycled campaign, which
included a notice to all vendors that they were a green property and requesting input on
alternative products. They are making a concentrated effort and require justification for
any product, which is not environmentally superior.
6.0 Findings
Although this study was limited to three hotels there are still some general assumptions
that can be made. All three of the properties are progressively managed and actively
supported this project, which is the first step in implementing a successful waste reduction
project. However, there were issues that were common challenges in all three locations.
Accessibility to informed assistance. The representatives admitted needing outside help
to research, analyze, and the monitor waste reduction initiatives. Each of the
representatives had other management duties and waste reduction was an additional duty
that was piled onto their already full plates. Many waste management issues and practices
are area and facility specific, therefore there is an ongoing need for preventative
inspections by an outside authority. In addition, the hotel representatives seemed to dread
contacting waste haulers to negotiate right sizing containers and correcting collection
frequencies. Dumpster contracts and collection charges were not well understood and
all three properties were picked up on a routine schedule rather than as needed which
created at least some unnecessary charges. Volume and compaction considerations had
not been considered when sizing or locating waste containers. In addition, the location
of property may limit service choices and options.
The absence of "green" purchasing practices both in products and services. At the
start of the project, there were no standardized policies that gave preference to products
manufactured from recovered materials or required life cycle costing. Purchasing
agents were not scrutinizing disposal contracts or trying to find the most
environmentally sensitive or alternative products to minimize packaging or waste.
Implementing eco-purchasing programs in hotels will require major paradigm shifts for
managers and purchasing agents.
Lack of continuous educational opportunities. Although there is a need for proper
handling and material control, especially with special or hazardous wastes, there is no on-
going training program for Lodging Professionals on waste reduction issues available
within a reasonable geographic distance. This project uncovered problems with the
management of both liquid and solid waste, some of which was considered hazardous.
One hotel was stockpiling material because they didn’t know what to do with them and
when they tried to get information from their local authorities it was confusing and
contrary. Hotels need to have regular training on materials/inventory management,
including purchasing, handling, storage, disposal, and documentation.
Minimal feedback or education for employees or guests. In addition, at the onset of the
project, each of the hotels had very little consistent employee and guest education or
feedback of waste reduction initiatives or their benefits. As soon as the employees and
guests were informed about the programs and their benefits, both the volume and quality
of recovered materials increased. In addition, awareness of safety issues concerning waste
handling has been proven to reduce both liability and disposal costs. It is a fact that hotels
have notoriously high staff turnover and to maintain quality, employee education must be
both consistent and constant.
No established industry standards for documenting the value of waste reduction
activities. Materials were disposed of with no thought to economic or environmental
impact. There was no central authority for disposal decisions or information. At
Bahama House, the general manager realized economic savings after delegating
ownership of the solid waste budget to the supervision of an operating area. Further,
evaluation of the disposal charges, demonstrated that the closer the waste generation
was monitored, the less the hotels cost for disposal. In addition, during the project, all
three hotels donated at least some of their unneeded furniture and or equipment to local
charities and are eligible to receive tax write-off benefits. The documentation of these
successes not only helps to maintain management’s interest in the waste reduction
efforts but can justify the operational expenses for a proactive waste management
program.
7.0 Summary
This grant project scratched the surface of an important issue. It demonstrated that
with ongoing advisory assistance, the lodging industry could implement waste reduction
programs that achieve results both in minimizing waste and reducing costs. Without a
mentoring force though, these programs may fall by the wayside. Waste reduction will
take a back seat to the more important business of guest service and hotel operations.
Currently the three pilot hotels have a good general knowledge of waste reduction
activities in their industry. The management in the functional areas of each of these
properties is now also familiar with the initiatives in their respective areas. There is a
high level of support and wide spread enthusiasm for this project. The representatives
all agree that as the grant period ends and the information stream dries to a trickle there
will be less management emphasis on “waste watching” and this support will fade.
The next steps in the area of hotel/ motel waste reduction include:
• Establishing a preventative audit process and long term monitoring at low or no
cost to hotel properties
• Coordinating with the University of Florida to create Waste Reduction & Buy
Recycled Workshop and training materials
• Documenting and measuring existing Florida Hotel/Motel programs
• Creating easy to access informational and educational materials for Hotel/Motel
properties (Audio/Visual and written materials as well as internet accessible
documents and data) and publicizing these resources.
REFERENCES
The following people may be helpful in obtaining additional information on pollution
prevention, regulatory and other environmental issues relevant to your business:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee Offices
Bureau of Solid & Hazardous Waste 904/ 488-0300
2600 Blairstone Road 904/ 921-8061 fax
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
Waste Reduction Section (WRS) 904/ 488-0300
2600 Blairstone Road 904/ 921-8061 fax
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400
For additional information on recycling and waste reduction contact:-
Jaime Christoff - Recycling 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Matina Wagner - Hotel/ Motel Waste Reduction Project 941/ 424-5646
[email protected] 941/ 420-8050 fax
Pollution Prevention Information
For additional information on pollution prevention, see the web site at
http:/ / WWW.DEP.STATE.FL.US/ WASTE/ PROGRAMS/ P2/ INDEX.HTM
or contact:
Administration
Julie Abcarian, Manager - Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 921-9227
[email protected]
Technical Assistance
John Scarboro, Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Marc Harris, Pollution Prevention Program 850/ 921-9231
[email protected]
Dick Burns, Pollution Prevention Program 407/ 295-9451
BURNS_R@A1@ORL1
State Regulations Information
For additional information on hazardous waste, water, and air regulations, see the web
site at http:/ / WWW.DEO.STATE.FL.US./ or contact:
Air Quality and Regulations
Lorraine Clark, Small Business Assistance Program 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling Regulations
Glen Perrigan, Hazardous Waste Management Section 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
Used Oils Storage and Handling Regulations
Rick Neves, Hazardous Waste Management Section 850/ 488-0300
[email protected]
For additional information on hazardous waste, water, and air questions contact:
Central District Office, Orlando
3319 Maguire Blvd, Suite 323 407/ 894-7555
Orlando, Florida 32803-3767 407/ 897-2966 fax
Automotive Emissions
Lou Nichols, Air Section 407/ 893-3333
[email protected]
Air Conditional Service
Sheila Schneider, Air Section 407/ 893-3336
[email protected]
Hazardous Waste Storage and Handling Reguations
Used Oils Storage and Handling
Bob Snyder, Hazardous Waste Management Section 407/ 893-7555
[email protected]
Painting Issues
Pat Washington, Air Section 407/ 893-3333
[email protected]
Northeast District (NED)
7825 Baymeadows Way, Suite B200 904/ 448-4300
Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7577 904/ 448-4366 fax
Northeast District Branch Office, Gainesville
Patricia Reynolds 352/ 333-2850
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
101 Northwest 75th Street, Suite 3
Gainesville, FL 32607
Hotline Numbers for Additional Information
RCRA 800/ 424-9346
Wetlands 800/ 832-7828
Storm Water (EPA Region 6) 800/ 245-6510
OSHA General Information 202/ 219-8148
Solid Waste Information Exchange (SWIX)
Ray Moreau, Director 850/ 986-6280
[email protected] 850/ 386-4321
Miscellaneous Information
Laser Printer Cartridge Recycling
Ja-Mar Laser Industries 800/ 776-3233
3M Transparancy Recycling 800/ 952-4059
Tyvek Envelopes 800/ 448-9835
Toilet Paper Saver
Dale Lukaart 407/ 295-7164
Six Pack Ring Recycling
ITW Hi-Cone
1140 West Bryn Mawr Avenue 630/ 773-3015 fax
Itasca, Illinois 60143
www.ringleader.com
Sandy Hammi ([email protected]) 630/ 773-9330
Prepared/ Unused Food
Food Chain - Nation Food Rescue Network -
Prepared Food Recovery Program
Jeff Whited, Manager 800/ 845-3008
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
2008 Brengle Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32808
Vicki Littell, Second Helpings Manager 407/ 295-1066
Second Harvest Food Bank - Daytona Beach 904/ 257-4499
Mary Lloyd, Manager
Jacksonville Area - First Coast Food Runners 904/ 353-3663
Tim Davis, Manager
Steel Can Recycling
Steel Can Recycling Institute (SCI)
Contact: Suzette Miller 850/ 479-7208
[email protected]
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