A waste management plan is a crucial component of any construction job. American investors are shifting toward sustainability, so it’s important that all businesses follow suit and take the proper steps to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.
A well-written waste management plan can boost a business’s environmental credibility and help cut costs. It can also help minimize risk for employees handling hazardous waste. To develop a comprehensive waste management plan, companies need to perform a waste audit to identify the types of waste their facility generates and what volumes those wastes are producing.
The next step is to set goals for how much of each type of waste the company wants to recycle, reuse or send to a landfill. This step is especially important for facilities that produce chemical waste, which requires specialized services and needs to be handled carefully to prevent toxins from leaking into the surrounding ecosystem. Companies should also consider whether their waste is site-separated or commingled, as this impacts diversion rates. A national waste partner can help them match the goals they’ve set with the best recycling or disposal options in their area.
Once a solid waste management plan has been established, the next step is to communicate it to all employees. The most effective way to do this is through regular training sessions, which can help employees become more familiar with and confident in the new policies. This can also encourage a sense of ownership among workers, which can go a long way in ensuring that the policies are followed.
When it comes to hazardous waste, the most critical component of a waste management plan is to ensure that all employees understand and are comfortable with safe handling procedures. This is why it’s important to implement training sessions on how to properly handle and dispose of chemicals before they’re used. This can help avoid accidents that may lead to expensive lawsuits.
Companies should also make a point to communicate their waste management plans to all stakeholders, including haulers, landfills and recycling centers, in order to promote accountability and transparency. This can help to reduce the likelihood of waste being sent to the wrong destinations, which can negatively impact the company’s recycling and diversion goals.
Finally, the waste management plan should include a timeline for when certain activities will be implemented. This can help to create a sense of urgency and make sure the company is on track to reach its recycling and diversion goals by their target dates. It can also help to keep employees engaged by providing them with a clear sense of how much longer they have to meet their targets.
If you’re looking for more information on how to develop a solid waste management plan, the experts at The ReUse People are happy to assist. They can answer any questions you might have about the process and provide tips for improving your company’s sustainability efforts. Contact them today to learn more or schedule a consultation.