Providing Separate Disposal Containers

Description

A major component in minimizing nonpoint source pollution is in providing proper liquid waste collection and disposal facilities. When people can not easily access such facilities, they tend to dispose of wastes such as oil, antifreeze and solvents in discrete and improper manners. In addition to preventing pollutants from being improperly disposed, having separate containers for the collection of differing liquid wastes can save on disposal costs. For example, it can cost anywhere from two to three times the amount to dispose of a 55 gallon drum of oil that has been contaminated with antifreeze ($400-$550) than it would to dispose of an uncontaminated drum ($150) of pure waste oil (Kailer, personal communication, 9/27/96).

Implementation

Reconditioned 55 gallon drums with lids were purchased a local supplier identified through the yellow pages. These drums then served as the primary containers for the separate collection of diesel fuel and antifreeze. In order to ease the collection process specially designed funnels that screw into the drums and provide sufficient room for the draining of portable containers and oil filters were purchased from the Oil Dri Corporation (for your local distributor call 1-800 Oil Drip). All of the separate disposal containers were then supplied with labels detailing what they were designed to accept. The labels were produced in 4 inch white vinyl a local sign maker identified through the yellow pages.

Once acquired, the drums were labeled, affixed with a funnel and placed atop the two drum secondary spill containment pallets (see related case study). Signs were posted at the marinas directing patrons how to properly dispose of harmful materials. Educational fact sheets were also distributed (please see the educational BMP case studies for more detail on these processes). The final step in implementing this practice involved establishing an evaluation scheme. Originally the plan was to have the participating marina operators keep logs which recorded each individual deposit of liquid wastes into the collection containers. Upon further discussion with the marina operators, the decision was then made to simply record the volume (in gallons) of material collected over the course of the boating season.

Evaluation

Cost: Drum-$14.95, funnel-$35.00, average label-$8.00, average installation time - 4 person hours

Pollutants Collected: Two participating marinas averaged approximately 40 gallons of antifreeze, 350 gallons of diesel plus 17 gallons of gasoline, and 10 gallons of solvents with pre-existing equipment. Two other participating facilities also implemented this practice for diesel and antifreeze but zero pollutants were collected. To put this in proper perspective a few points must be emphasized. One, antifreeze is predominately produced as a waste product during the early spring when people are de-winterizing or commissioning their vessels for summer use; and two, these facilities were not up and running until after this period.

Cost Effectiveness: If we consider the volumes collected at the two participating marinas which had the pre-existing facilities and the increased cost to dispose of contaminated wastes, we can conclude that a minimal investment in separate collection containers for disposal of liquid wastes can increase the amount of materials properly disposed while also decreasing the actual disposal cost over the long run.

Lessons Learned/Recommendations

• Carefully assess your needs for separate collection facilities. Full service marinas will generally produce more waste streams then those who cater primarily to hauling and storage.
• At a minimum consider providing separate facilities for the disposal of: waste oil, diesel, gasoline, antifreeze, solvents, and contaminated petroleum products (i.e., oils mixed with such things as antifreeze and/or water).
• Remember, if it costs $60 to install a separate container for the collection and disposal of waste oil that has been contaminated, but it takes two to three years to fill the drum, you still may be achieving a savings in disposal costs of between $200 and $300.
• The cost to provide separate disposal containers can be drastically reduced by re-using drums that you may already have on-site. Labels do not necessarily have to be purchased, they can simply be painted on and although a snug fitting funnel for draining temporary containers is a plus it is not the only alternative.
• Design collection facilities so that they are easy to access. 57.5 percent of the survey respondents indicated that they did not use the provided facilities because it was easier to dispose of their wastes elsewhere. If possible, try to keep them open throughout the season and always make sure that sufficient capacity exists.
• If it not possible to keep them open or unlocked, consider providing a Òdrop off boothÓ at some convenient point within the marina.
• Publicity, education and proper instruction is key. In order to reduce those discrete and improper disposal practices of your staff and tenants they must: one, be aware of the facilities available to them; and two, know how to correctly use them. Post signs in the collection area describing disposal methods. Distribute flyers and label containers appropriately. See the educational BMP case studies for additional details.
• Remember check with local regulatory officials on specific design criteria for hazardous materials storage areas.

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