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Why Recycling Is So Important in Manufacturing
A robust recycling program is key to minimizing the solid waste stream from any manufacturing operation. “Industrial waste” is an umbrella term that refers to all materials that are of no further use at the end of a manufacturing process.
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The most abundant industrial waste is industrial solid waste, which U.S. industries generate to the tune of about 8 billion tons a year. Industrial waste comes from a wide variety of manufacturing sectors, including chemical manufacturing, cement manufacturing, metal mining, electrical utilities, food processing, the manufacturing of consumer products, and more.
Some of these sectors generate toxic or hazardous waste that requires special handling and disposal. It’s difficult to address the subject of industrial waste in a way that applies to all industrial sectors. But the underlying concept is universal: the minimization of solid waste through a combination of reuse, repurposing, recycling, and other strategies for keeping solid waste out of the nation’s landfills.
Where Does Manufacturing Waste Come From?
Bear in mind that manufacturing waste does not originate exclusively on a factory floor. There are office employees who generate waste in the form of paper, empty ink cartridges, obsolete and malfunctioning electronics, and other materials that may or may not be recyclable. Many components and materials used in production processes come in cardboard or plastic containers that become part of a manufacturing facility’s waste stream. And let’s not forget the cafeteria and break room waste, typically full of recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum cans. It’s no wonder that industrial recycling is a booming business sector.
Key Steps for Implementing a Manufacturing Recycling Program
Realizing these and other benefits to be gained through recycling requires a solid manufacturing recycling program. Here are some guidelines to get you started.
- Start with some process-related research and analysis aimed at answering questions such as:
- What kinds of materials currently being discarded are actually recyclable?
- Where are they originating within the manufacturing facility?
- What is the average weekly or monthly volume of each type of recyclable material?
- Can reasonable process changes be made to reduce the amount of waste in favor of reusable or recyclable materials? (Think in terms of lean manufacturing principles.)
- Are there natural points in the workflow where recyclables can be separated from the waste stream without negatively impacting productivity?
- Is it feasible to sort recyclables when they are separated from the waste stream to eliminate the need to sort commingled recyclables, which is more labor-intensive?
- Once you know what recyclable materials you’re dealing with, you can investigate your recycling options.
- Does the manufacturing facility have the capacity and resources to do any onsite recycling or will it be necessary to partner with a waste management company that can collect and transport your recyclables to one or more recycling companies?
- If you will be partnering with a waste management company, which one offers all the needed services and the most advantageous financial arrangement?
- What are the desired outcomes of the recycling program other than waste reduction? Income from selling recyclables? Return of recycled materials as inputs to the manufacturing process? Other?