All businesses produce at least some waste, but some produce a lot more than others. The industry, the location of the company, and the size all play a role into how much of the company’s waste will wind up in a landfill. In the past, there wasn’t much of a focus placed on the environment and how business operations affected it.
Today, more emphasis is placed on environmentally safe methods as the EPA and eco-conscious groups aim to save the planet. Instead of sending all of your outdated electronics and other types of waste to a local landfill, it’s best that you spare the landfill. Here are five responsible ways to get rid of your waste so that you can reduce and reuse.
1. Recycling Your Scraps
If you have a large business or you work in the food service industry, there are inventive ways to get rid of waste without being wasteful. Composting food service waste is a great way to turn someone’s trash into the environment’s treasure since it can be converted into renewable energy. Not only can you spare the landfill, you might even be able to turn your trash into a stream of income.
2. Trade-In Old Computers and Printers
Only about 1 in 4 electronic devices are recycled properly. Since 75 percent of electronic waste ends up in landfills and incinerators, it’s crucial that businesses become more committed to recycling e-waste materials.
One way to do this would be to take advantage of the trade-in programs that computer manufacturers have started offering. By selling back old equipment to the producer, you can get a credit or cash for your old equipment.
3. Find an E-cycling Facility Near You
If you don’t want to go through the process of getting trade-in or buy-back quotes and then sending in your equipment, you could always just get rid of your computers, tablets, mobile devices, and other peripheral devices by taking them to a local e-cycling center near you.
You may be able to drop the waste off or request that it be picked up through your trash company, but if that’s not an option available to you, you could contact an independent company. It requires a bit more effort than simply throwing the computers away, but it’s a safer and much greener way to clean out the office responsibly.
4. Sell Metals for Money
You don’t have to be in a construction business to sell scrap metal. If you have old copper from a project to redo your plumbing, you could sell this highly desired metal to a recycling company and make money in the process.
Highly desired metals that are reused for manufacturing are easy to dispose of. Believe it or not, if you’re a dentist, you could even sell gold crowns and other old dental devices to a service to refine dental scrap and you’ll get cash, check, or gold coins in the mail.
5. Sustainable On-Site Debris Removal
When you’re in the construction industry or you’re completely remodeling your current commercial building, you have to focus on construction waste management strategies early.
One of the best moves would be to hire a sustainable waste management company that specializes in on-site debris removal from the construction site. You may even be able to recoup the value of some of the materials if you choose the right disposal company.
Letting waste sit in landfills is not doing the planet any good. If you have the choice, it’s best to choose the more responsible ways to get rid of waste. Not only is it the right thing to do, taking the time to be environmentally conscious is a good way to market to a new, greener consumer.
