We set goals for reducing the impact of our business on the environment in key areas using 2004 data as a baseline. Several years later, we can report significant progress against key performance targets.
At Philip Morris USA, one of our goals is to generate less solid waste by using fewer materials. Our facilities follow a program of continuous improvement under the principles of "lean manufacturing." By minimizing the amount of materials we use and by improving the efficiency of our processes, we try to minimize waste generation from the outset.
Through a concerted effort, we have virtually reversed the ratio of waste landfilled to waste recycled from our operations between 2004 and 2008. PM USA sends many regulated waste streams for reclamation, recycling or composting, including:
- fluorescent lights and ballasts
- scrap metals
- batteries
- used solvents
- used oil
- refrigerants
- plastics
- paper/cardboard
- residual tobacco waste
- In 2004, PM USA recycled about 25 percent of the total solid waste generated at our facilities. Through 2008, our recycling increased to about 76 percent of all waste generated.
- In 2006, we began a new recycling initiative at all office facilities so that employees can now combine common recyclables like plastic bottles, aluminum cans and office paper in the same recycling container, making it easier to recycle more waste. As a result of this program, in 2008 we recycled more than 167 tons as single stream office recyclables.
- Beginning in 2007, we began to divert much of the solid waste generated at our Park 500 operations and ash waste from boiler coal consumption to a composting operation ─ significantly reducing the amount of waste disposed of at municipal landfills.
- Since 2002, PM USA has collaborated with Keep America Beautiful (KAB), a national leader in litter prevention, to research, develop and launch a multi-year Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP). KAB, through its affiliates and partner organizations, has implemented the program in more than 300 communities nationwide.
