small steps for big changes –

As a company you often have to deal with waste. This waste can be hazardous or non-hazardous and must be handled responsibly. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, also in the processing of industrial waste. In this article we take a closer look at how companies can process their waste in a sustainable way.

What is industrial waste?

Industrial waste is all waste that originates from companies. This can include:

• Paper and cardboard.
• Plastic.
• Residual waste.
• GFT waste.
• Chemical waste.
• Electronic waste.

Industrial waste must be collected, transported and processed in accordance with legislation and regulations.

Why is sustainable processing of industrial waste important?

Sustainable processing of industrial waste has several advantages. Firstly, it contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. This is because waste processing is an important source of greenhouse gases. By processing waste in a sustainable way, CO2 emissions are reduced.

Secondly, sustainable waste processing improves the image of the company. Consumers and customers find sustainability increasingly important and want to do business with companies that do business sustainably.

Thirdly, sustainable waste processing can save costs. By separating and recycling waste, savings can be made on waste processing costs and raw material costs.

How can industrial waste be processed sustainably?

Industrial waste can be processed sustainably in various ways. Below are a number of options:

Separating waste

An important step in sustainable waste processing is the separation of waste. By separating waste, it can be recycled and less waste is burned. For example, companies can collect paper and cardboard, plastic and GFT waste separately.

recycling

Recycling is an important way to deal with waste sustainably. Paper and cardboard, plastic, glass and electronics are examples of materials that can be recycled. For example, companies can hand in their old computers and printers to a recycling company.

Composting

GFT waste can be composted. Composting is a process in which organic material is broken down into compost. This compost can be used as fertilizer. For example, companies can collect their GFT waste separately and have it composted.

Waste reduction

Waste reduction is an important step in sustainable waste processing. For example, companies can adjust their production process to produce less waste. Ways to reduce packaging can also be looked at.

Tip: have your industrial waste collected by a sustainable partner. In this way you ensure that you are not only involved in a sustainable way yourself, but that you also sponsor other sustainable companies.

How can companies implement sustainable waste management?

Companies can implement sustainable waste management by following a number of steps:

Step 1: inventory waste

The first step is to inventory the waste. What waste streams are there and how much waste is produced? By making an inventory of the waste, the possibilities for sustainable waste processing can be examined.

Step 2: separate waste

The second step is to separate waste. By separating waste, it can be recycled and less waste is burned. For example, companies can collect paper and cardboard, plastic and GFT waste separately.

Step 3: choosing sustainable waste processing

The third step is choosing the right sustainable waste processing. For example, companies can opt for recycling, composting or generating energy from waste.

Step 4: waste reduction

The fourth step is waste reduction. For example, companies can adjust their production process to produce less waste. Ways to reduce packaging can also be looked at.

Step 5: communication

The fifth and final step is communication. By communicating about sustainable waste management, the company can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. This can be done, for example, by means of a sustainability report or by means of communication on the website.