MEMORANDUM

TO: Dr. H. Jack, P. Eng.

FROM: Scott Woodard

SUBJECT: Padnos Recycling Center Tour

DATE: 3-18-97

Professor Jack:

The recent tour of the Padnos Recycling facility in Holland, MI., definitely was not what I expected it to be. In my mind, I had a rough idea of what it was that I was going to see. However, this is not what was delivered. Part of what I had envisioned was true, but I was surprised by the rest. I have known of the existence of Padnos for quite some time, but I had no idea of the magnitude of their operation. I knew that they had a fleet of trucks that came and went on a daily basis, but I never even imagined that they had daily railroad traffic, along with the occasional ship/barge traffic as well.

I was also surprised at how completely self sufficient the whole operation is. From doing the necessary daily maintenance on their trucks and machinery, to actually building the hauling containers and required machine parts all within the same facility. I was also impressed at their commitment to maintaining a facility that is extremely conscious of their interaction with the environment. It seemed to me that they are doing everything possible to keep the amount of contamination that is entering the surrounding environment as a result of their recycling operation to a minimum. Something that I would never have imagined is that they would have to routinely screen 100% of all incoming truck traffic for radioactive materials.

While proceeding through their compound during the course of the tour, the amount of recyclable material that I personally saw, really opened my eyes to the importance of recycling. If western Michigan produces this much material that is able to be recycled, just think of the amount that the United States as a whole produces! Besides being economically justifiable, if we are to preserve the environment, then this is the route that we all must follow.

Regards,

Scott Woodard