Manufacturing companies inevitably produce a large amount of waste and, while a lot of this waste is recyclable, the challenge is how to manage it responsibly. We have put together some of our best recycling tips for manufacturing companies.
1. Manage your volume of recycling using balers
To start recycling large volumes of waste efficiently, you will need appropriate machinery that can handle the waste. Using a baler is the best method of managing your recycling, easily converting large quantities of cumbersome cardboard and plastic into manageable bales that take up less space than un-baled waste and are easier to store until collection due to their compact size and uniform shape.
There are many different models of balers available, including vertical balers and horizontal balers, designed to deal with different types and quantities of waste. Some models automate the baling process to varying degrees, making recycling effortless for your employees.
2. Use balers to earn revenue from your recycling
Most recyclable materials can earn your business extra money, provided they are disposed of correctly. For example, closed-loop recycling allows paper, cardboard and plastic to be reused by another company, for which you can earn a fee. The materials do need to be in the right format, such as bales, but this is great for the environment and your revenue!
3. Look to make your packaging more easily recyclable
Increasing your sustainability as a manufacturing business does not rely solely on your recycling processes, but also on how easy you make recycling for your customers. You should consider changing your product packaging to eliminate the use of single-use plastic and make all the materials you use fully recyclable.
4. Manage the collection schedule of your recycling materials
When you consider the carbon footprint of the entire recycling process, there are other processes you may be able to improve. For example, being efficient with your collection schedule will prevent unnecessary trips (and emissions) for the collection trucks. Baling the waste into compact, stackable bales will minimise the number of collections required as more can be loaded onto the collection vehicle. It is also important to ensure your waste is collected frequently enough so that your designated waste storage space doesn’t overflow.
5. Have appropriate storage for your recycling before collection
The way you store your recycling while you wait for collection is critical. A dedicated storage space for these materials will prevent unnecessary fire and trip hazards. Having bales will help with this because your waste materials will be more compact and uniform in shape.
6. Review the materials you use during the manufacturing processes
As well as improving how well you recycle the waste you currently produce, you should also consider whether the materials you use in the manufacturing process are as eco-friendly as they can be and whether your overall waste production can be reduced.
Manufacturing companies will produce a considerable amount of waste due to the nature of their business, but controlling how that waste is dealt with makes a significant difference. Efficient recycling is better for your business’s carbon footprint, makes your workplace safer, and can even earn you extra revenue.
If you are looking to invest in recycling equipment for your business, Mardon Recycling Machinery is a leading supplier of waste recycling equipment, including balers.