Manufacturers & Distributors ARTICLE -
Winning the War on Waste
Target Audience: Manufacturing and Distributing Companies, M&D Industry
Old pallets, used hydraulic fluid, process wastewater … it all has to go somewhere. Dealing with waste often is a costly and frustrating issue for manufacturers, but it doesn’t have to be. Simple steps can help you minimize the waste your plant produces and manage waste more efficiently, greening your operations while also saving money.
To create an effective waste management program:
Avoid creating waste in the first place
Examine your manufacturing processes to identify ways to minimize waste and even incorporate waste back into production. If you manufacture clothing, for example, have workers lay out patterns using the smallest amount of fabric possible to minimize scraps. Paper mills and plastic manufacturers, meanwhile, may be able to add scraps to raw materials and reuse them in production. In addition, hone your inspection process to minimize reject batches. You’ll not only cut down on trash, but also wasted time and effort.
Find new ways to reuse
One company’s trash is another’s treasure, so take the time to find new homes for your waste. If your waste includes valuable materials, such as metal, plastic wrap or cardboard, scrap processors will often pick them up for free or even pay you for them. Food manufacturers can also pass along their byproducts, such as wastewater and food scraps, to farms for irrigation and fertilizing.
Make your waste smaller
Even after reducing and recycling, you’re likely to have some waste headed for the Dumpster. Since waste haulers usually charge a flat rate per load, fill your trash bins as efficiently as possible. Many manufacturers have industrial-grade trash compactors on-site to break down high-volume, low-weight products, such as wood crates. Look for a compactor that takes up the same amount of space as a pallet and that workers can operate without supervision. Along with saving on trash pickups, compacting your waste means you’ll use less landfill space.
Find out how our M&D accountants can add value to your business. Email us or call us at 1 (888) 875-9770.
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