Case Study: Westfields Marriott International Conference Center

Located in Chantilly, Virginia, the Westfields Marriott International Conference Center has 345 guest rooms, three dining rooms and 425 employees. John Huppman started the recycling program in 1991 after Fairfax County mandated it. Slowly, he kept adding different materials to the program and now 20% of the waste stream is recycled.

Materials Recycled: Paper, glass, metal cans, cardboard, motor oil, antifreeze, tires, fat/oil
Cost Savings: Reduced tonnage of regular trash which decreased the amount of pickups overall, decreasing the cost of hauling the trash. Recycling is not costing more but is breaking even and paying for itself.
Waste Reduction: Includes use of china and glassware in all dining areas and serving beverages from dispensers. Double-sided copying and use of scrap paper saves paper. Use of cloth towels in restrooms. Return pallets and large plastic tubs to vendors.
Buy Recycled: cardboard, steel
Education: Through meetings, classes, sessions about recycling. Made containers easily accessible. There are recycling bins next to trash cans for guests to use during coffee breaks from conferences.
Keys: Keep it simple. Get the guest involved because it makes them feel good. Separate at the source.
Challenges: People putting trash in the recycling bins.
Hauler: BFI
Recycled: 110 tons
Waste Disposed: 440 tons
Recycling Rate: 20%