The Governor's Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Pollution Prevention have been presented since 1986. David Heinlen and the Orphan Chemical Recycling Program, Bowling Green State University, received one of five awards given in 1995. Governor George V. Voinovich presented the eighth annual awards on February 7, 1995.

These awards recognize outstanding commitment to improve Ohio's environment through pollution prevention. Evaluation criteria for the awards included: the overall effort to reduce waste at the source, recycle or recover materials, or conserve energy; soundness of approach; cost effectiveness; ability of the program to serve as a model for others; and effectiveness in promoting prevention as the preferred long-term approach.

What is Pollution Prevention?

Pollution prevention is the use of source reduction techniques to reduce risk to public health, safety, welfare and the environment and, as a second preference, the use of environmentally sound recycling to achieve these same goals. Pollution prevention avoids cross-media transfers of wastes and/or pollutants and is multi-media in scope, addressing all waste and environmental releases to the air, water and land.

David Heinlen and the Orphan Chemical Recycling Program, Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University's (BGSU) Orphan Chemical Recycling Program, Bowling Green, managed by David Heinlen, safety and health coordinator, identifies and transfers usable but unwanted chemicals between university departments as a means of minimizing hazardous waste generation. This program differs from the traditional university chemical exchange program in that it has been expanded to include 13 non-university institutions, with approximately 900 transfers of chemicals to date.

Pollution Prevention Activities

In most academic laboratory settings, it is common for chemicals that are still useful to remain on shelves, under hoods and in other areas of storage. Eventually, these chemicals require some form of management, and are often disposed of as hazardous waste. At the same time, departments within the same institution may be purchasing these identical chemicals. BGSU's Orphan Chemical Recycling Program, established by Mr. Heinlen, originally was designed to identify and transfer these chemicals between university departments. Prior to the organization of the program, Mr. Heinlen contacted Ohio EPA and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to ensure the program would not conflict with regulations.

In 1992, Mr. Heinlen began efforts to expand the program. It now includes eight high schools, two junior high schools, a medical college, a technical college, a joint vocational school and a local hazardous waste management company. This increased the potential for the distribution of the university's orphan chemicals, and provided a means for similar departments (chemistry, biology, art, etc.) from different institutions to distribute chemicals to each other. Further expansion of the program currently is being developed, involving academic institutions located within the seven counties surrounding Wood County.

Prior to the expansion of the program, 700 pounds of solid material and 50 gallons of liquids were transferred within the university. Since April 1993, the Orphan Chemical Recycling Program has been responsible for the transfer of approximately 2,000 pounds of solids and 500 gallons of liquids. There is no fee for participation in the program. A dual cost- savings has resulted by keeping usable materials out of waste streams and eliminating the need to purchase certain new materials. Since its expansion, the program has resulted in overall cost savings of between $160,000 and $200,000.

Looking Ahead

The Orphan Chemical Recycling Program currently is in the process of expansion. Academic institutions within the seven counties surrounding Wood County will be asked to participate in the program. Through the efforts of the hazardous waste management company, other academic and non- academic facilities outside of this area will be able to participate as often as they desire.

BGSU, in conjunction with the hazardous waste management company, will continue to investigate any potential for further expansion of the recycling program. Conceivably, small business and industry will take advantage of this program on a more regular basis. Also, it is hoped that formal and informal presentations about the program will result in similar programs beginning in other locations.

For More Information

Bowling Green State University's Chemical Recycling Program - Explanation

BGSU Orphan Chemical Program, List of Chemicals Available

David Heinlen, R.S., MSEPH Safety and Health Coordinator Department of Environmental Health and Safety 102 College Park Office Building Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH 43404-0381 (419) 372-2171

This is the 29th in a series of of information sheets Ohio EPA has prepared on pollution prevention. For more information, call the Office of Pollution Prevention at (614) 644-3469.