Industrial waste is a given for many businesses, but the costs of handling that waste can become overwhelming. At the same time, reducing the amount of waste can also be a staggering project. However, the financial and ecological benefits of cutting down the amount of waste your business generates are important.
One: Determine the Amount of Waste
It’s not unusual for businesses to simply be unaware of how much waste is being generated. With a clear understanding of how much waste there is and the most common culprits, it’s easier to encourage members of the business to find ways to reduce waste. With specific information about waste, you could run contests or otherwise encourage team members to cut down.
With this information, identify areas where you can increase the efficiency of your manufacturing and other processes. It may be possible to use raw materials more efficiently or replace some materials with recycled items. Improving the efficiency of processes throughout your businesses is great for your bottom line.
Two: Cut Out Unnecessary Packaging
Many businesses provide bottled water and packaged products for their employees to purchase. A lot of waste comes out of employee break rooms and cafeterias. Take time to compare the packaging options; it may be possible to choose products with less packaging or recyclable materials. Plastic water bottles make up a large amount of the material handled by waste services. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce this type of waste, including recycling, switching to glasses for drinks, and encouraging the use of reusable bottles.
Three: Consider Food Waste
Another area of waste in cafeterias and break rooms is food waste. When scraps of food and the leftovers that get scraped into garbage cans are sent to landfills, it all adds to the overall amount of methane gases released into the atmosphere. Placing an additional garbage can, designated for food scraps, keeps this type of waste separated from others. It is then possible to recycle food waste onsite to be used by landscaping staff as mulch.
Four: Hire Waste Management Services
After you’ve posted signs encouraging employees to use recycling and taken other steps to cut down waste, it’s time to bring in professionals for further progress. Professional industrial waste services generally begin with consultations and evaluations of the processes you have in place. Once assessments are complete, waste management professionals help you improve your processes, saving money and improving your impact on the environment.
With these four tips, you can enjoy the benefits of improving your waste management procedures. As team leaders and employees adopt improved waste-handling practices, positive effects may be felt in other areas of your business.
