In efforts to reduce energy and consumption, APG Cash Drawer has developed new ways to create reductions in kilowatts/joules of energy used, gallons of water, and waste recycling. In May 2009, APG founded the Kill-O-Watt Energy team, directed by project engineer Rick Murdock. Since May, the Kill-O-Watt team cut spending by over $3,000 a month while also reducing any harmful effects on the environment.

In their electricity efforts, APG Cash Drawer has recently installed new factory lighting systems, installed LED’s in vending machines, and turned off 8 warehouse lights to save on energy. The new lights cost more, but they provide more even lighting, reduce energy costs, reduce heat coming off the lamps and provide better lighting environment for the manufacturing team. APG Cash Drawer has a fully integrated cash drawer manufacturing facility. As cash drawers components are being made they go through a paint line process. “APG has developed a way to reuse the wash water on our cash drawer paint line. This saves money on both water and energy,” states Rick Murdock, director of the Kill-O-Watt energy team. “We are also working on insulating our paint line oven. This will create a better work environment, while reducing gas and electricity consumption.” Turning off lights in the building that aren’t being used at 4pm and shutting down computers when employees leave has also made a big impact. “You’d be surprised how much electricity you can save by just shutting down computers over night,” says Murdock. “We also use an environmentally conscious recycling company in Blaine called Green Lights Recycling, Inc that will properly dispose of old computer parts.” Electronic equipment can contain a variety of heavy metals including lead and mercury that have been defined as toxic or hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency. Other environmental efforts include using reusable plastic containers/skids for transporting parts within the facility rather than cardboard boxes. This reduced the cardboard waste as well as the recurring cost of buying them. Using biodegradable packaging for shipping APG products has also helped our environment. “People don’t realize that plastic peanuts or plastic air bags take forever to break down in a landfill. Biodegradable poly bags break down faster and are less harmful to the environment.” Additionally, APG has recently created an online warranty registration process instead of wasting paper by having customers send registration forms in by mail. APG Cash Drawer’s Kill-O-Watt energy team has been diligently working to cut costs on energy consumption as well. Some future approved projects include creating air infiltration barriers around the truck dock areas and installing water sensors for the sprinkler systems. With goals in mind, they are striving to be environmentally conscious and energy efficient. The Kill-O-Watt energy group raises awareness in the company by having regular meetings informing people about what is being done and how they can help reduce energy consumption. If you would like more information about this article or APG’s green efforts please email Breanna Brown at bbrown@apgcd.com.

About APG Cash Drawer, LLC

APG manufactures a broad range of high-quality cash drawers and other related products for thousands of customers throughout the world. During its 30+ year history, APG has built a reputation as the supplier of choice for highly durable and dependable cash drawers. To discover more about APG and other APG products, visit www.apgcashdrawer.com or call us at 763-571-5000.