Waste is a hot topic. The United States produces nearly 300 million tons of municipal waste per year. Exactly how much industrial waste the US produces on top of that is not as clear.
Successful industrial waste management involves clear strategies. These focus on reducing a company’s environmental impact as much as possible. But how can businesses do this in practice?
Read on for our quick guide to industrial waste management.
Segregate Waste Products
Industrial waste management starts with dividing waste into different categories. Local environmental laws will then govern how to dispose of this waste legally.
Companies may also consider implementing their own industrial waste management strategies. These may exceed the governmental standards. This provides a higher level of environmental protection and boosts a company’s green credentials.
Recyclable Waste
Recyclable material includes paper products, metals, glass, and certain plastics. A robust system should be put in place to separate these before they become contaminated with other waste.
All staff will need training in how to separate recyclable materials. Businesses should make arrangements with local recycling agencies to collect these materials regularly.
Hazardous Industrial Waste
Local laws will outline what is classed as hazardous industrial waste and how to handle it. You will normally have to use municipal facilities or licensed private companies to handle this kind of waste.
This will ensure that hazardous industrial waste does not contaminate the local soil and groundwater.
Other Types of Industrial Waste
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for industrial waste management. Different types of industrial waste require different approaches. Even waste that comes from a single source will need to be sorted before disposal.
For example, if you’re running an excavation project, you could hire grab lorries from jmsgroundservices.com. This is a great solution for moving large quantities of muck, concrete and rubble, and asphalt from a work site.
However, you need to talk to the company about sorting the waste first. For example, concrete and muck cannot be mixed. You need to sort the different types of industrial waste before loading it into grab lorries.
This system ensures that only suitable waste goes to landfills. Other types of industrial waste, such as asphalt, can be recycled.
Importance of Industrial Waste Management
The importance of industrial waste management is undeniable. Without it, companies are liable to prosecution. Even worse, their actions may cause irreparable damage to the environment and the health of local people.
Having an industrial waste management strategy also helps all employees to be waste conscious. Disposing of all types of industrial waste is costly. Training employees to reduce waste and recycle wherever possible can help to reduce expenses.
To do this efficiently, consider establishing a waste management team within the company. This establishes accountability. A dedicated team will be able to effectively monitor all aspects of waste management and ensure that it is not forgotten.
Effective Waste Management – Everyone’s Responsibility
All businesses generate waste and need to have an industrial waste management strategy. Doing so will ensure that you are compliant with local laws. It will also protect your workforce and the environment from unnecessary harm.
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