Wastes are generated from aircraft, vehicle and facility operations. These wastes typically include spent antifreeze, used oil, spent solvents, spill residues, paint wastes, used filters and leaking packages.

Non-hazardous Wastes

The vast majority of wastes from aircraft, vehicles and facility maintenance are managed as non-hazardous wastes. These wastes, which are disposed of or recycled through many vendors, represent approximately 90 percent of the combined hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Our responsibility for these wastes includes ensuring that wastes are properly disposed of or recycled.

Used oil is recycled or used for energy recovery.

We reuse antifreeze until it is spent, and then it is either recycled or properly disposed.

UPS recognizes scrap tires pose a significant environmental issue when improperly disposed. That's why we work closely with vendors to develop specifications for retread tires that ensure quality and safety. Quality retreads enable UPS to reuse tires - stretching our resources while benefiting the environment.

Hazardous Wastes

Only 10 percent of our wastes are managed as hazardous wastes. Hazardous wastes are managed through select vendors to ensure responsible disposal. We audit our vendors with third-party consultants on a regular basis to ensure compliance and proper management of wastes. In 2006, UPS’s operating facilities in the U.S. generated 922 tons of hazardous waste.

2007 Goals:

• Ensure consistent, responsible management of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
• Reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated by our operations through recycling and source reduction initiatives.
• Work with customers to improve their packaging materials and techniques.
• Package Design Initiatives

Package Design Initiatives

The UPS Package Design and Test Lab works with customers to ensure they are making proper packaging selections. The lab recently developed new box strength guidelines for small package carrier shipments. Ensuring that our customers are using proper packaging materials and packing techniques helps facilitate damage-free shipments.

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