15 October, 2002
 
As part of Qatargas’ commitment to continuous environmental improvement, an extensive waste paper and cardboard recycling program is currently being established. This program will be fully implemented over the next three months. Historically, waste paper and cardboard packaging generated at Qatargas has either been discarded to landfill or simply burnt. This recycling program aims to collect all of the discarded waste paper and cardboard packaging generated at Qatargas for processing and eventual reuse.
To enhance the recycling program, a large capacity industrial paper shredder and baler has recently been installed in Level 1 of the HQ Building with the following features:

  • The machine is equipped with an array of safety features including an automatic feed shut-off switch.

  • An extensive training program has been conducted to ensure the safety of all operators.

  • The shredder and baler have the capacity to easily process over 100 kg of waste paper and cardboard every hour.

  • The machine is purposely designed to securely process commercially sensitive documents.

To date, over 6,340 kg of waste paper and cardboard has been shredded and trucked to Doha for recycling. It is envisaged that this amount will quickly grow to over 10,000 kg during the next month as a backlog of old documents and files are discarded from the HQ Building. Once this backlog is cleared, Qatargas will focus upon the routine collection of waste paper and cardboard packaging generated on a daily basis from around the entire plant site and all offshore facilities. This will include the segregation of plastic dividers and metal clips from the waste paper at source. Qatargas is very eager to expand this program to enable the recycling of waste paper and cardboard packaging generated from RLIC, RasGas and eventually the Al Khor Housing Community.

However, paper recycling requires valuable resources in terms of equipment, facilities, man-power, energy and time. So the obvious question is - wouldn't the reduction and reuse of paper and cardboard be a smarter alternative?

The answer is simply YES!!!
The reduction and reuse of waste paper and cardboard packaging at source makes sound environmental and economic sense. Waste management programs should always prioritize waste reduction and reuse strategies. Recycling is only considered a necessary strategy to address waste streams that have not already been adequately reduced or reused. In summary, recycling is the least favored of the three "R" strategies.

Some simple ways in which you can help reduce and reuse paper?
  • Photocopy on both sides of the sheet of paper
  • Print draft reports on the back of used paper
  • Reams of waste paper make excellent pads
  • Electronically file information (don't print files unless really necessary)


This is first in a series of articles illustrating Qatargas commitment to ongoing improvement in its environmental performance and greater community awareness. 

The Three "R's" of Waste

* Reduce the amount of waste that you throw out
* Reuse where possible

* Recycle when you cannot reuse any more

-Ends-

© Press Release 2003