How to ensure responsible commercial and industrial waste management
Commercial and industrial waste management is a key issue facing today’s factories and manufacturing companies. Industrial processes generate large amounts of waste – the latest government statistics estimate that England alone produced around 33.6 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2022. It’s vital that your business manages its commercial and industrial waste in a safe and responsible manner to help reduce these shocking statistics.
However, effectively managing commercial and industrial waste presents several challenges for businesses, specifically regarding costs and environmental impact. We explore all things commercial and industrial waste management, and share some top tips on how to effectively manage your waste materials.
What is commercial and industrial waste management?
Commercial and industrial waste management refers to the collection and disposal of waste materials produced by manufacturing processes, including solid waste, liquid waste, chemical waste, and hazardous waste. Responsible commercial and industrial waste management practices involve recycling, reducing, and reusing materials wherever possible, allowing organisations to preserve our environment for generations to come.
Why is proper commercial and industrial waste management important?
Considering the fact that industrial waste can be hazardous, it’s crucial for businesses to practise responsible commercial and industrial waste management. This ensures that the waste materials your business produces do not cause human or environmental harm. Commercial and industrial waste management can help your business:
- Minimise pollution by preventing the release of harmful substances into our environment
- Conserve resources through recovering and reusing raw materials, reducing the need for new material creation
- Reduce its carbon footprint by using less energy and fewer resources throughout the production process
- Save money through the reduction of waste treatment and landfill tax costs
- Comply with legal regulations including The Controlled Waste Regulations 2012 and The Environmental Protection Act 1990
Our top 5 commercial and industrial waste management tips
Conduct a Waste Audit
A waste audit is a key step to improving your commercial and industrial waste management efforts. It allows you to assess the waste that your industrial setting generates during normal daily operations. We highly recommend measuring the amount of each type of waste that your business produces over a set amount of time, and pinpointing which area of your operations generates this waste i.e. manufacturing or packaging. This will then allow you to identify opportunities for waste reduction and recycling.
Prioritise Waste Reduction
Once you have conducted a waste audit, you should start considering ways to reduce the amount of waste generated at the source. For example, you could invest in newer equipment that is more efficient and produces less waste materials, or cut down on the amount of packaging your business uses. Regardless of which waste reduction strategies you choose, you should always train your employees on the latest processes to make sure everybody is on board.
Segregate & Recycle Your Waste
Properly segregating your commercial and industrial waste streams ensures that as much waste is recycled as possible and reduces the amount sent to landfill. You should install separate, clearly-labelled bins for each type of waste your business produces i.e. hazardous waste, recyclable waste and non-recyclable waste. Educate your staff on the importance of waste segregation and conduct regular reviews to evaluate the success of these practices.
Ensure Safe Storage & Handling
Safely storing and handling your commercial and industrial waste benefits both environmental and human health, helping to prevent accidents and reduce contamination. Each bin that houses your waste should be robust and leak-proof, preferably with lockable lids. This is especially important when storing hazardous industrial waste. Make sure that you have a clear emergency plan in place for dealing with any accidental spillages, and regularly inspect your waste storage areas for contamination.
Partner with a Commercial and Industrial Waste Management Provider
Working with a certified commercial waste management company like McCarthy Marland is crucial for guaranteeing the responsible disposal of your waste, especially when it comes to hazardous waste management. Make sure that your chosen partner complies with all the current regulations, and has an up-to-date waste management and waste carriers licence. Assess their overall reputation by reading customer reviews and case studies, and don’t be afraid to get in touch if you have any questions about their services.
Discover McCarthy Marland’s commercial and industrial waste management services
Here at McCarthy Marland, we are committed to helping businesses improve their sustainability efforts. We offer a wide range of cost-effective commercial and industrial waste management services that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of your premises, including wheelie bin hire, skip hire, and waste collection. Our team of experts ensures the safe and compliant removal of hazardous waste, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
By choosing McCarthy Marland as your commercial and industrial waste management partner, you can rest assured in the fact that you are helping protect our environment for future generations to enjoy. Contact us today to discover how we can help manage your commercial and industrial waste materials.