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You should also review these general guidelines and best practices for managing waste throughout the hotel.
For landscaping, minimize the use of herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers and preservative (CCA)-treated wood that contains chromium and arsenic. Maximize the use of recycled landscaping material as mulch for groundcover and compost for fertilizer. The following are opportunities and methods for reducing your waste stream:
- Begin a composting program
Composting is a process, which begins whenever you place moist organic materials together. It is defined as the controlled biological decomposition of organic material in the presence of air to form a humus-like material. It is an excellent source of organic material for rebuilding and enriching soil. Keeping the materials covered and routinely turning while adding additional moisture can accelerate this ongoing process. A little bit of paper, as well as food waste and mulched landscaping yard waste, are all good candidates for composting materials. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is exploring ways to divert up to 50% of its current waste stream through industrial composting. Consider prior to enacting: storage, composting area, and who will work the area (grounds or kitchen staff). There are many guides for composting available, but one of the best places to start is your local Cooperative Extension Service. They will assist in setting up a program and help troubleshoot if problems arise.
- Use less evasive landscaping techniques
Contact the Cooperative Extension Service to learn about Xeriscaping® or using native plants for ground cover. They offer many ideas for using less evasive flora for ground cover. One good website is:http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu/florida_yards_and_neighborhood.htm
- Develop a disposal plan for batteries
Remember that Florida law prohibits the disposal of lead-acid and nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries into the regular solid waste stream (403.708(13)(a) and 403.7192(3), F.S.). Where to recycle rechargeable batteries depends on the type of battery. Most county household hazardous waste programs accept all types of batteries from residents. Contact them for more information.
- Consider alternative fueled vehicles
Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFVs) are vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and others designated by the US Department of Energy. Some AFVs can run on a mixture of conventional and alternative fuels. These dual-fueled vehicles are more practical unless you have easy access to an alternate fuel supply.
- Create a pallet control policy
For pallet control, require the vendor to remove the pallet in the contract. Contact a local pallet vendor about repairing, reusing, or recycling excess wooden shipping pallets.
- Develop a waste-reducing maintenance policy
Maintenance should repair items such as furniture and appliances or donate to charity. Scrap metal should be collected and taken to a local scrap dealer. Purchase higher quality items for longer wear. Rent equipment that is used only occasionally. Aerosol spray cans, paint cans and batteries are all recyclable. Procure battery chargers and use rechargeable batteries for power tools. Purchase and use solar powered items as flashlights, outdoor lighting, etc.
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