Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimisation are key operational requirements within IBM's Environment Management System.

In 2000 IBM had established programs for facility waste and product disposal associated with its business activities in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, monitoring and reporting processes for nonhazardous waste disposal, already in place in Australia, commenced in New Zealand.

Facility operations
IBM has conducted environmental risk and waste assessments to classify the waste streams from the facilities it controls. The baseline status is used to identify problem areas and to focus resources to develop suitable waste minimisation and management programs.

IBM in Australia - Facility Waste Summary

IBM in Australia disposed of 1,458 tonnes of used materials from its eight key facilities in 2000. This consisted primarily of nonhazardous waste streams. Hazardous waste was primarily associated with the disposal of waste wet cell lead acid batteries.