Online Program

Using Six Sigma to Reduce Recyclables in Trash on a College Campus (303041)

Keywords: Six Sigma, Sustainability, DMAIC Process, Regression Modeling, Minitab Statistical Software

At Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, students have the opportunity to take a class on Six Sigma. Students learn about the statistical theory that drives Six Sigma projects and use the DMAIC methodology through a real-world project. The idea for the recent class project came from observing campus personnel throwing recyclables into trash receptacles. Although our campus has receptacles for recyclables, it was found that 36% of the weight in trash receptacles came from content that could have been recycled. This project was launched with the goal of reducing the amount of recyclables disposed of as trash. Baseline data were collected on the weight and type of recyclables disposed of in the trash, followed by a period of improvement. Afterward, another round of data collection took place. Through the classes’ efforts, the amount of recyclables (by weight) thrown away as trash was reduced to 24%. Besides providing a real-world application of the statistical concepts of Six Sigma, the project was an opportunity to further the college’s sustainability goals. The Six Sigma tools implemented in this project include an FMEA, control charts, regression model, and capability analysis.