Nobody can deny the fact that the world waste is increasing at a rate that is unimaginable. The local municipal council in my area is also beginning to get worried as the current dumping area is going to be full in 2 to 3 years. Hence, starting a waste minimization program is a great step towards minimizing your waste and providing a greener workplace and it should be everybody’s affair.
A major focus of our waste minimization program should be looking at how we can reduce or eliminate some waste streams from your processes altogether. Source reduction is a step you can take before looking at reuse and recycling options.
Sometimes it’s easy to overlook some of the simplest steps a company can take toward starting or refining a waste minimisation program. While we’re evaluating our product-specific processes, remember that recycling and reclamation of wastes count too! Here are some simple ways to jumpstart our waste minimization program:
- Reclaim and recycle - This doesn’t need to be tough. Machines called wringers can actually squeeze liquid waste out of contained absorbents. This allows us more options for reuse or recycling of the liquid and the absorbents!
- Be smart about cleaning up leaks and spills - Switching from clay to modern absorbents might be one of the smartest changes you can make! Mats and socks are lighter and very absorbent, which means we will use a lot less, thus cutting down on waste volumes and disposal costs. Less waste on a smaller budget – it’s a double win!
- Compact to save space - Your storage area staff will thank you if you consider compacting your waste! Some waste compactors can compact up to five drums of waste into one drum. If you watch the documentary in discovery channel about how the US navy manage their waste by compacting it, you’ll be amaze how small a huge volume of waste can become. Those trash transformed to a cute cube.
- Segregate liquid waste streams - Besides eliminating the potential for dangerous reactions, keeping waste streams segregated often allows the wastes to be recycled or disposed of at reduced rates. This may require some training, but the time spent is well worth the investment you and your colleagues will focus on to turn this waste reduction tip into reality.
- Be a savvy buyer - Purchase only the amount of materials you really need, and look to buy from manufacturers who will accept them back if the shelf-life is exceeded. Also try purchasing from companies that provide absorbents that contain recycled content and are made from sustainable materials, also companies that can automatically send you a shipment of product based on an annual usage..
Whether we are refining an existing program or just getting started, the advantages of compliance are convincing! We don’t need to be an expert, just try one of the tips above and watch your waste shrink. Help the world by reducing the waste.
