We generate waste every day, whether we are consuming or manufacturing products. However, those from factories and manufacturing companies contribute more to the amount of waste generated annually. These companies generate various non-recyclable and non-biodegradable substances that pollute the environment if they are not properly disposed of.

Even if industrial waste ends up in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is capable of contributing to climate change. Therefore, if you operate an industrial business, you must develop strategies for waste management. Let’s discuss some options available to you. 

Separate and Compost

To reduce the impact of waste on the environment, you should dispose of it properly. The first thing you should do is to separate it by placing different bins for each type of waste. If handling hazardous waste, ensure it is treated to remove any toxic chemicals that might be released into water or air.

Additionally, you can contact recycling companies in your area that can reuse old items to create new products. Biodegradable wastes can be composted and converted to manure instead of moving them to landfills. Examples of biodegradable wastes are cardboard, straw, sawdust, leaves, newspapers, and food waste. 

Get Your Team Involved

The steps involved in managing industrial wastes are complex. You have to sort them into different categories: recyclable vs non-recyclable, hazardous vs non-hazardous, solid vs liquid, etc. After that, they should be treated and turned into compost, and so on.

If you do not have a team dedicated to carrying out this activity, you need to create one. You can name it “the green team” and allow the members to suggest ways your company can effectively manage its wastes. The team will also implement, monitor, and evaluate their suggestions. They can also suggest ways to reduce waste during production.

To make your team more efficient, ensure the members undergo training. They should learn how to evaluate hazardous substances, procedures for handling different types of waste, emergency readiness, and so on. You can check out this website to get training resources for your team.

Reconsider Your Packaging

Materials used in packaging goods contribute to the waste your company generates. While we cannot totally eliminate packaging, we can reduce its impact on the environment. One way to achieve this is switching to the use of eco-friendly materials like cardboard boxes. You can also develop plantable packaging.

You can also try to recycle or reuse the packaging that comes with your raw materials. If that is not possible, hand them out to a scrap dealer. On a more sustainable note, you can start patronizing vendors that use recyclable packaging. 

Reduce Waste from Industrial Paint

Industrial wastes are not just about your production methods. The paint used in painting the floor of your factory is a hazardous product that should not be overlooked. Sometimes, after painting, the workmen leave half-filled or empty cans that should be disposed of. If you store the leftover paint, it will dry up and become unusable over time.

Also, the paint contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are harmful to the environment. To reduce this type of waste, purchase high-quality paint so you won’t have to repaint the floor frequently. You can also choose eco-friendly paint and dispose of cans in an eco-friendly way. You can also use them to store raw materials or send them to a recycling unit. 

Hire a Waste Management Company

If you do not have the time or the human capacity required to sort, treat, and compost your company’s waste, you can hire a waste management company. It does the dirty job so you and your employees can focus on production. Here are some things to consider when hiring one:

Credibility

Run a background check to be sure the company is what it claims to be. You can request references or check their website to read customer reviews.


Experience

You want a company that can efficiently identify the type of waste you generate and follow appropriate procedures for handling them. You should also check how long they’ve been active in business and whether they undergo training on recent waste management practices.

Flexibility

The needs of your business may change with time. Therefore, you should choose a company that can ensure you stay compliant even when your streams of waste change. You can also visit http://www.machemag.com/ to see other factors you should consider.

Conclusion

Whether hazardous or non-hazardous, industrial waste has serious implications for your business and the community at large if not properly handled. The first approach to ensuring you meet the regulations of your community and state is to understand how to manage the type of waste you generate.

A waste management company can help you with this process. It can also manage and dispose of it in the proper way. However, if you cannot hire waste disposal services, you can create a green team using members from each department in your company. Ensure that they are trained for the job.