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 UPS currently collects solid waste data on 1,550 of our U.S. facilities. Solid waste refers to normal trash such as paper, cardboard, and plastic that is commonly landfilled. In 2006, these facilities generated 104,550 tons of solid waste and an additional 36,800 tons were recycled.
In 2006, we recycled 36,800 tons of solid waste materials including metals, plastics, paper, corrugated materials, pallets and wood waste. Solid waste prevention reduces methane, which contributes to greenhouse gas effects.
Over the years, UPS has increased its purchases of materials with recycled content. In 2006, we purchased 36,300 tons of these materials, which creates and maintains demand for products that have a positive impact on the environment.
Computers and other electronic equipment contain toxic chemicals and plastics that must be properly addressed at the end of a product's lifecycle. In 2006, UPS recycled 2.7 million pounds of electronic equipment from our own operations. Since the program began in 2000, UPS has recycled 19.7 million pounds.
We use our transport and logistics capabilities to collect and prepare equipment for recycling or remanufacturing. An internal Web site enables our technical staff to determine if computer equipment should be repaired or sent to a qualified vendor to be recycled or refurbished.
UPS also helps its customers dispose of unwanted electronics. Through its Asset Recovery and Recycling Management service, UPS Supply Chain Solutions oversees the final disposition of electronics through repair, recycling or disposal in an environmentally safe manner, all while controlling logistics-related activities.
Additionally, several of The UPS Store® locations accept old cell phones for reuse and recycling. UPS Supply Chain Solutions sorts and ships the phones to our partner, ReCellular, which reconditions them and resells them to developing markets. The devices that cannot be refurbished are recycled and kept out of landfills.
 Learn more about UPS Asset Recovery and Recycling Management
To date, we have used more than 5.42 million reusable bags in the U.S. and Germany to bundle and sort small packages within our system. Each reusable bag eliminates the need for more than 600 plastic bags.
Since the program's beginning in 1995, our reusable bags have prevented more than 41,400 tons of plastic from entering landfills. In 2006, we purchased 975,000 additional reusable bags. This will reduce the amount of plastic bags landfilled by 5,070 tons.
We introduced the industry's first Reusable Next Day Air envelope in 1998, which is bleach free and 100 percent recycled fiber (80 percent post-consumer). While it cuts down on waste by allowing one envelope to be used twice, the Reusable Envelope also provides convenience to customers, like mortgage brokers and attorneys, who have to ship documents for their clients to sign and return.
In 1998, UPS accepted the challenge from The Alliance for Environmental Innovation to improve the environmental profile of packaging in the transportation industry. Our express packaging was redesigned to eliminate bleached paper and increase the use of post-consumer recycled content - changes that not only reduced paper usage, but also reduced the amount of energy used in the manufacturing process by 12 percent.
Additionally, The UPS Store® locations have an ongoing effort to encourage consumers to bring in foam packing peanuts to be reused and recycled.
Through its participation in the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), UPS recycled 18,525 pounds of batteries in 2006. These batteries include nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium ion and small-sealed lead acid.
In 2006, 60 percent of waste produced by our corporate office was recycled, including paper, cardboard, lamps and ballasts. In 2006, UPS recycled wastes at a rate of 125 pounds per person at this location.
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Fuel Use and Emissions
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Hazardous and Non-hazardous Wastes