Original Date: 09/14/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

For many years, Raytheon Missile Systems Company’s (RMSC’s) recycling efforts consisted of individual schemes scattered throughout the facility. However in 1996, the Air Force made a request for RMSC to develop a more aggressive approach to landfill reduction. The company was tasked with meeting a 50% solid waste reduction goal for 1997, based on 1992 landfill metrics.

To develop the Solid Waste Recycling program, RMSC and union representatives teamed together to identify and implement several alternatives to landfilling. Paper products, as well as packaging materials, provided opportunities for much of the waste diversion. Wood waste is given away to employees as well as to not-for-profit organizations during RMSC’s Free Wood Wednesday events. The company sends several semi-trailer loads of large wooden crates to Mexico, where the wood is donated to under-privileged families. In addition, broken crates are shredded for landscaping and compost use. The company implemented several programs where returnable shipping crates are routinely sent back to suppliers and customers. Styrofoam packaging peanuts are also given away to a local shipping company which gives RMSC employees a discount for their patronage. The company keeps employees and contractors up-to-date on the latest recycling guidelines via a training video. This video is shown annually at team meetings throughout the facility, as well as at employee and contractor orientations.

RMSC’s Solid Waste Recycling program reduced the company’s dependency on local landfills by more than 50% in the past few years. This program generates in excess of $2,000 monthly, and provides steady employment for six disabled employees who collect the recyclables. RMSC’s use of cross-functional teams will also ensure further expansion of the program.

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