Waste production affects all companies, but not all waste is the same, in fact it can be classified in different ways. Companies often struggle to classify their waste, or there may be problems in storage and handling. Studying and implementing waste management, therefore, is essential: it allows you to streamline work and increase business potential, in compliance with the law. What is often ignored is that it is not only a practical process, but also a development of the correct mindset regarding waste. They are not just scraps to be disposed of, but they can become a valuable resource for companies. For these reasons, here we recommend:
Three ways to improve waste management in your business
Attention to the waste classification phase
The first phase of waste management begins with classification. Industrial waste is classified as special waste, in some cases it is considered hazardous and requires special treatment. To carry out the identification correctly, it is necessary to pay attention and identify the production process from which the waste originates, then it is necessary to identify the specific phase of the production activity from which the waste originates and, finally, it is necessary to identify its specific description. With this information it is possible to identify the correct EER code (European Waste List contained in Decision 2000/5327EC, as updated by Decision 2014/955/EU).
Sometimes mistakes can be made at this stage, including due to complex legislative measures, and this compromises the subsequent steps. In fact, the wide variety of waste and the different contexts in which it is produced require targeted recovery and disposal solutions.
Waste audit and waste management operational programme
To avoid compromising the entire waste management process, you need an operational waste management program and practical and customized solutions to make it effective and reduce waste, turning it into an asset for your company. The operational programme must be based on the information and data available about your waste: such as classifications and volumes produced. A waste audit, therefore, allows you to develop an operational program, or if you already have one, to implement it. What? With a check-list of controls and actions to be carried out or improved over time. This will give you an overall view of your waste:
- where waste is produced in the company;
- average quantity produced monthly;
- Characteristics and treatment of waste
- optimal solutions implemented and those to be improved
One of the essential points of the waste audit is precisely to indicate where the critical points are located in the company waste management process. Whether it’s paper, cardboard, nylon, plastic or special waste, if you know the management process well, you can find the solution that best suits your needs.
Spreading awareness
Another action to be taken: spread awareness among the staff. Ethical waste management can only be separated from the involvement of all employees, but also from widespread awareness. So it’s wise to encourage your team to develop good recycling habits. No department is exempt from waste: from production to the warehouse, up to break areas and sales offices. The benefits of this awareness do not only fall on the team, but also on the company and its image. For example, you can introduce recycling bins in break areas, meeting rooms or open-plan offices with sophisticated shapes and designs, in line with the company’s style and image, or organise ad hoc training days for your team.
Reducing waste is possible in any sector you are operating: from Ho.Re.Ca. Re.Ca. to automotive, from healthcare to retail. Turning your company into a virtuous example is possible. Look differently at your waste, it is not just a nuisance, on the contrary. With effective treatment, they produce value to be reinvested in profitable activities that enhance the image of your company. In addition, customers and investors today only support sustainable companies. So the less effort is put into waste management, the more disposal costs there are and the more customers turn away.
It is therefore extremely important to entrust the management of corporate waste to a trusted partner, able to offer you tailor-made solutions: whether you are a small, medium or large company, Eurocorporation is able to manage all your special waste, even in large quantities, thanks to the vast fleet of vehicles capable of responding to all needs, combining the capacity of loading and transport with that of unloading at our plant.
Zero errors, zero confusion, zero stress: contact Eurocorporation for a free quote or advice, we guarantee you the best service and above all safety and serenity.
