Huge and heavy waste generated during various industrial activities is referred to as bulky industrial waste. Some common industrial activities are manufacturing, producing and mining. Owing to its large size and heaviness, this waste cannot be disposed of through the common waste disposal channels available. Instead, it requires special handling and processes to manage such waste. Therefore business owners find it challenging to manage bulky waste.
The quantity and type of industrial waste generated may vary according to the industry type. Common industrial bulky waste examples are metal, plastic, and construction waste. The common reason for the generation of bulky waste is the need to replace or dispose of old or useless equipment and machinery.
Managing bulky waste can be challenging due to its size, weight, and potential hazard. However, if done by professionals, it can be done effectively and can make business owners less worried. You can visit this site to check about professional bulky waste management services.
Bulky Waste Management
Bulky waste needs a special management process. It not only involves the disposal of large and heavy waste but may also involve the collection and transportation of waste to actual dismantling, shredding or disposal sites. Bulky waste management aims to efficiently and safely manage waste items without posing a threat to the environment.
Tips for Business Owners to Improve Their Bulky Waste Management
It is the responsibility of companies and manufacturing units to manage their bulky waste. Government, waste management companies and the local public may contribute to the effective management of disposal of wastes, but business owners must step forward and take up the responsibility. As their units generate waste, they must take precautionary steps to manage it before it leads to dire consequences.
Identify the Waste
The first step should be identifying various waste streams a particular business generates. Waste streams are the types of waste generated by various industrial activities and operations. They may vary across the industry, so one solution that fits an industry may not be viable for another industry. Based upon these streams only, the action plan to manage bulky waste must be formulated.
Industries that generate large or heavy products or materials are more likely to generate bulky waste. One common waste across industries is scrap metal from old machines, appliances, containers, apparatuses and equipment.
Many external factors like local laws, government policies, demographics and weather conditions also play a crucial role in deciding the waste management process being adopted.
Segregate the Waste
As advised and followed in households across the world, waste should be separated. It is easier to manage the waste after it is separated. For example, hazardous waste disposal needs to be handled differently than electronic waste.
So, business owners must get different types of bulky waste items segregated. This helps minimize the risk of environmental contamination and harm to human health. Common bulky waste streams include metal, wood, plastic, construction and electronic waste, and the items included are:
- Metal waste like old machinery, equipment, boilers and appliances
- Plastic waste like containers, drums and pipes
- Hazardous waste like chemicals and medical waste
- Construction waste like concrete and asphalt
- Electronic waste like computers, TVs, heating and cooling units
Introduce Waste Reduction Policies
The focus should be on generating minimum waste. If less waste is generated, it is easier to manage and dispose of. This can be done by introducing and implementing waste reduction policies. Such policies help businesses and organizations reduce waste management costs and improve sustainability.
For this, employees must be taught waste-reducing processes. In the manufacturing of any item, various processes are involved. Many such processes may yield minimal waste if the machines involved are handled in a certain way or operations involved are performed in a certain way. These certain ways must be taught to the employees.
Simple steps like periodically:
- lubricating,
- calibrating,
- cleaning
- and tightening nuts and bolts
can lead to the longevity of machines and equipment.
Also, operating machinery as per the manufacturer’s instructions and following safe operating procedures can help extend the machine’s life and prevent untoward accidents.
Whenever changing machinery or appliances, business owners should buy energy-efficient models that help conserve energy and generate less waste.
Manufacture Machines and Equipment That Can Be Reused
Business owners manufacturing machines, equipment and other apparatuses commonly used by the industry must design them for reusability. If any part of the machine breaks, its spare parts must be made easily available so the machine can be fixed. Also, machines and equipment should be sturdy to have a long life.
Encourage Recycling and Reuse
Business owners must encourage the reuse of machinery and other items as much as possible. Malfunctioning or broken machines and equipment must be repaired and fixed instead of going for new ones.
Similarly, the recycling of bulky items should be encouraged. Plastic can be easily recycled, so all equipment, containers, pipes, frames, molds etc., made of plastic must be segregated and sent for recycling.
If in good condition and of relevance, various machines can be donated to a charity. For example, you can donate bulky e-waste comprising old computers, TVs, mobiles, speakers, etc.
Reselling can be another way of reusing. Business owners may contact companies in the same sector, which may require certain machines and appliances, and resell them.
Take Expert Help
Many waste management companies can make the work of business owners easier. Such companies have the necessary skills and expertise to manage bulky waste effectively. They also have the necessary resources and equipment to collect and transport bulky waste to designated facilities.
Also, waste management companies are familiar with the local laws and regulations that apply to bulky waste disposal. They can ensure compliance with all such laws.
Conclusion
Business owners should effectively manage bulky waste. If this waste keeps getting dumped into landfills irresponsibly, it will lead to bigger health and environmental problems. The focus should be on recycling and reusing. Also, ways to minimize waste generation must be adopted. All stakeholders in a business must act responsibly and generate minimal waste.
As the famous saying goes, “a stitch in time saves nine”, take preventive measures now to curb any undesirable results later.
