Reducing and Recycling - UPS Leads The Way
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Conscientious of its past and present, UPS is looking toward the future by
identifying ways to reduce waste and recycle used materials. UPS leads the industry
when it comes to recycling and source reduction. In fact, some of its initiatives
have been recognized by organizations such as The Alliance for Environmental
Innovation.
Product Responsibility
- UPS developed Authorized Return Services (ARS) for customers to return toner
cartridges, computer equipment, books and videos, automotive parts, medical
equipment, etc., at the end of their useful cycle. These products are disassembled
for re-use, remanufactured, used in other products, or disposed of in a responsible
manner. Customers benefit through cost-effectiveness, quality assurance, and
resource conservation.
Reusable Sort Bags
- UPS uses reusable sort bags in its small-package sorting operation. These
nylon mesh bags reduce plastic bag waste by more than 1,000 tons a year, and
the use of one reusable bag eliminates the need for more than 600 plastic
ones.
Paper
- UPS uses recycled computer paper (with 20 percent recycled fiber) companywide,
saving more than 10,000 trees and 1,902 cubic yards of landfill space annually.
Recycled Paper in Envelopes
- Recycled and recyclable paper is used for UPS Next Day Airâ and UPS 2nd
Day Air® letter envelopes, saving more than 12,000 trees per year.
Delivery Notices
- UPS uses recycled paper for the 1.2 billion Delivery Notices (the yellow
note left at the door when no one is available to receive a package) needed
each year, saving more than 1,500 trees annually.
Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD)
- The DIAD is a hand-held computer that electronically records delivery information,
including recipient signature, and eliminates the formerly required 84 million
sheets of paper a year. Currently, UPS drivers in 49 countries, including
the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, Japan and most of Western Europe, use the
DIAD
Packaging Improvements
- UPS accepted the challenge The Alliance for Environmental Innovation made
to the transportation industry to improve the environmental profile of its
packaging. UPS redesigned its express packaging to eliminate bleached paper,
increase recycled content, double the post-consumer recycled content, and
make the packaging lighter. UPS was able to do so while reducing costs, preserving
performance, and maintaining appearance.
Reusable Envelopes: What Goes Around, Comes Around
Office Recycling Efforts
- Office paper, cardboard, and plastic material separation and recycling is
under way at many UPS facilities. The program reclaims and recycles more than
15 million pounds of material annually that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
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