Benefits of Waste Minimization

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that approximately 7.6 billion tons of industrial solid waste are generated and disposed of each year. While some degree of industrial waste is unavoidable, a large percentage of that waste is transported directly to landfills, adding to the nation’s waste management crisis. Fortunately, business owners can take steps to minimize their waste on a corporate scale. Not only does corporate waste management have positive environmental implications, but also it can help boost your bottom line. Read on to find out more about the benefits of waste minimization.

Benefits of Waste Minimization

Waste Minimization Cuts Costs

From a business perspective, waste minimization is all about efficiency. Effective minimization requires business owners to keep a close eye on materials and inventory, which can, in turn, help reduce costs associated with purchasing, hazardous waste removal, and more. Manufacturers can also implement waste minimization efforts to reduce product packaging, which saves time and money on the production front. Finally, reducing waste can help decrease regulatory burdens. For example, reducing waste can alter an organization’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulatory status from “large quantity generator” to “small quantity generator.”

Waste Minimization Protects the Environment

The United States has a waste problem. As mentioned above, millions of tons of waste are generated in households and businesses each year, most of which end up in landfills. With that in mind, environmental regulators like the EPA are constantly working to promote more responsible waste management practices. Working to reduce your organization’s industrial waste saves valuable landfill space, but it can also boost industrial efficiency and minimize air and waterway pollution. Overall, less waste is an excellent goal if you would like to reduce your organization’s impact on the environment.

New Customers Are Looking for Eco-Conscious Companies

Consumers are more concerned about environmental impact than ever before. Earlier this year, Forbes reported that almost 30 percent of consumers want to improve the environment, with 23 percent wishing to “reduce production waste” and 22 percent wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. With that in mind, waste minimization is an excellent way to attract new eco-conscious customers. Implementing and sharing responsible waste management practices could help you connect with your next big client.

How Your Business Can Exercise Responsible Waste Management

If you’re enthusiastic about the idea of cutting costs, protecting the environment, and attracting new customers, you may be asking: How can I start to prioritize waste minimization in my business today? There are several strategies business owners can take to evaluate their waste management practices:

• Create a chemical inventory and evaluate disposal strategies
• Assess company energy bills and look for opportunities to lower energy expenditures
• Assess packaging practices and consider implementing recyclable or compostable packing options
• Evaluate your facility’s wastewater and sludge production

Finally, you can work with an expert like Environmental Works to make a plan for your business.

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The benefits of waste minimization can have a major impact on companies of all sizes. Responsible waste management can reduce environmental impact, cut costs, and attract new customers, overall boosting your bottom line. And while evaluating company waste management practices might seem intimidating, experts like EWI are here to help. We can help identify creative, affordable solutions for businesses of all sizes, from small t-shirt shops to major industrial facilities.

Are you in need of further information on the benefits of waste minimization? When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 877-827-9500 for more information. We have in-house experts ready to help walk you through the specifics of your organization’s waste management needs. Our team can work with you to develop a plan for your business to ensure ongoing environmental responsibility and compliance, particularly as it pertains to minimizing your overall waste.