Cut company costs by cutting company wastes.

              Cut Company Costs by Cutting Company Wastes - 1 - August 2000
Cut Company Costs by Cutting Company Wastes
Overview
As landfills fill to capacity and waste costs rise, there is increased pressure on business and industry
to reduce solid waste disposal. In the years to come, it will become more important than ever for
business and industry to find innovative ways to decrease their solid waste. Fortunately, there is
also an opportunity to enjoy cost savings. This fact sheet is intended to help business and industry
determine ways to both decrease their disposed tons and disposal costs.
Benefits of Waste Reduction
There are many environmental benefits from waste reduction. Avoiding waste slows the depletion
of natural resources, conserves valuable landfill space, and cuts down on the pollution associated
with manufacturing. In addition, waste reduction offers businesses further advantages, including:
• Economic Advantages. Potential economic advantages of waste reduction include reduced
waste disposal fees, savings in material and supply costs, revenues from marketing reusable
materials, and savings from more efficient work practices.
• Enhanced Corporate Image. An enhanced corporate image as an environmentally
conscious company might attract customers. Surveys show that more and more consumers
consider a firm’s environmental record when making purchasing decisions.
• Improved Employee Morale. Employees may appreciate company’s efforts to reduce waste.
This heightened morale could increase employee enthusiasm and productivity.
• Compliance with Local or State Solid Waste Regulations. Some states and localities in the
United States require businesses to take steps to reduce or recycle their solid waste. Some
communities also restrict the amount or types of waste accepted at solid waste management
facilities. By implementing an aggressive waste reduction program, a business can help
ensure compliance with these requirements.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Many businesses and industries have opportunities to reduce, reuse, or recycle their solid waste. To
get started, companies should closely examine their waste stream. A key step is to walk through the
processes occurring at a given facility and identify where and why wastes are generated. Do not be
afraid to look into garbage cans or dumpsters. Once this is completed, the next step is to determine
which materials or wastes can be reduced, reused or recycled. Some basic approaches include:
• REDUCE – Look for areas where packaging can be eliminated or reduced or where durable
and reusable packaging might be employed. Using more durable equipment and supplies
can also reduce disposal costs and waste. Review processes for potential to reduce trim waste
and run- throughs. Improving production efficiency can go hand- in- hand with efforts to cut
down on waste. Simple office reduction measures include reusing paper or printing and
copying double sided.
• REUSE – Often waste products during one aspect of an operation can be used elsewhere or
in another capacity ( sometimes with sister facilities or other nearby industrial plants). Many
N. C. DIVISION
OF POLLUTION
PREVENTION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSISTANCE
1639 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699- 1639
919.715.6500
800.763.0136