LUKE — To demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship,  the Luke mill recently launched a program to recycle paper and cardboard at the mill and the Luke  Converting Facility in McCoole, Md.
Recycling is not a new idea for the Luke mill. In addition to using a byproduct of the papermaking process to generate approximately 30 percent of the mill’s energy needs, the Luke operation has been recycling computers, fluorescent bulbs, waste oil, core plugs, and tree bark for quite some time. 
However, adding paper (e.g., office waste, magazines, newspapers, etc.) and cardboard to its list of recyclables will allow the company to recover the items’ value as well as reduce its landfill costs.   
“This is a project in which every employee throughout the mill can participate,” said Gary Curtis, Luke Mill manager,
“and I’m pleased with the progress that we’ve seen since implementing the project in mid-March. 
“While the cost savings and the potential revenue from the project will have a positive impact on the mill, the fact that we are contributing less waste to the landfill is something in which we  can all be proud. Hopefully, our recycling project will generate interest and enthusiasm among our employees that will carry over into their waste disposal habits at home,” concluded Curtis.
 A Rapid Lean Six Sigma team was formed to develop the Luke mill’s recycling program.  Lean Six  Sigma (LSS) is the combination of two proven business improvement methodologies: Lean, which  focuses on reducing waste (time, intellect, reworks, transportation, etc.) and cycle time; and Six Sigma, which focuses on reducing variation in the process. The end result is a data driven process  which focuses on issues important to the company’s customers.  A Rapid LSS project is one that is  executed in 60 days or less. 
Led by Luke mill Black Belt Vic Proietti, the 11-member team known as the “Waste Warriors” met  weekly during the 60-day period to identify the type and source of the recyclables, select an outside waste buyer, develop an internal collection and transportation process, and communicate the  program to mill employees.
“By recycling paper and cardboard, the Luke mill will reduce its landfill waste by approximately 28 percent and save an estimated $90,000 in its first year,” stated Proietti.