Generation of different types of waste at the Cook Plant occurs daily. Waste that is normally generated at your home is placed in the trash and hauled away by the local trash service. At USA fleet member Cook Plant, waste must be handled a little differently due to regulations specific to the site size and type of operation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) have developed regulations to protect the environment and keep prohibited items out of landfills.

Some of the waste items that need special disposal are obvious: oils, solvents, and paints. There are waste collection stations set up for them in the auxiliary building and service building, ensure containers are properly labeled prior to placing them in these areas.

Other items may not be so obvious. Examples of waste items we dispose of differently or recycle include: aerosol cans; empty drums; batteries (lead-acid, alkaline, nickel cadmium, and lithium); light bulbs; computers, monitors, audio/visual equipment, and miscellaneous electronic equipment (anything with a circuit board); tires; lighting ballast that contain or may contain PCB; various liquids / chemicals; metals; and grass clippings/yard waste.

In 2015, Cook generated the following items that were recycled:

7,136 gallons of used oil

3,907 pounds of spent light bulbs

28,025 pounds of spent lead acid batteries

1,775 pounds of spent alkaline and Ni Cd batteries

419,760 pounds of scrap metal

5,197 pounds of electronic equipment

68,030 pounds of paper and cardboard

455 empty steel and plastic 55 and 30 gallon drums

1,405 Gallons of Electro Hydraulic Control (EHC) Fluid