Reduce Use of Toxic Materials

Amalgam Filters

Amalgam separator

Amalgam
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All prison dental facilities have amalgam filters in place to capture mercury.  Digital X-rays are now being used to decrease waste and facilitate transfer of dental records.

Fluorescent Lamp Recycling

Fluorescent lamps use less electricity but contain toxic mercury.  All prison facilities recycle spent lamps, which reuses glass and metal and keeps mercury out of the environment.

Manufacturing Process Changes

The Correctional Industries shops at the Penitentiary and Stafford Creek Corrections Center switched to a barium-free powder coat to paint metal furniture, reducing the use of toxics and hazardous waste disposal fees.

Toxic products

Less Toxic Products

Finding less-toxic alternatives for many chemical products, such as latex instead of oil-based paint, and “green” cleaning products, is a priority. This has allowed correctional facilities to greatly reduce the use and disposal of hazardous materials. Monroe Correctional Complex and the Penitentiary have reduced hazardous waste disposal by 84 percent or more.

Chemical Review Committees

Monroe Correctional Complex and Ahtanum View Corrections Center pioneered the prison system’s first committees to review chemicals in use at the facility. The committees removed redundant or unneeded products and, where possible, found safer alternatives for needed products. The groups must now approve all chemical purchases in advance.

Organic garden

Organic Gardening

Many facilities grow pesticide-free flower and vegetable gardens. Flowers are used around the grounds and buildings. Vegetables are typically donated to local food banks or used for special meals at the facilities.

 

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