The field of industrial discard management has developed enormously during the last few years. Manufacturing facilities especially are one of the top contenders for waste generation. Therefore, the way that they handle their waste is crucial. Many organizations are adopting innovative ways of managing the waste. The good news is that, since manufacturing facilities are the top producers of waste, they also hold significant scope and potential for waste reducing and recycling.
 
Right from gathering data to creating a waste management policy to implementing waste reduction and recycling initiatives on the manufacturing floor, there are several steps involved. This article directs manufacturing facilities with best tips to reduce and recycle waste for optimized operations and enhanced production.
 
Waste Reduction Tips
 
It might be difficult to completely get rid of waste generation, but a manufacturing facility can undoubtedly substantially decrease the waste generated by implementing the following tips.
 
•             The first and foremost step to reducing waste is examining the nature and quantum of waste generated in your manufacturing facility. Study the trends of waste generation in your facility. Which places produce the most waste? As an example, some facilities may find that overstocked inventory is a top waste generating area while some may find packaging section to be the top culprit. Next learn what type of items are being tossed of as waste the most. For some facilities it may be paper, but for some it may be plastic. The answers to these questions can help you tackle waste management more effectively.
 
•             Waste review as described above can help you create a solid plan with clear objectives towards recycling and waste handling. Create a committee exclusively for waste management to successfully execute this plan. Get your staff members on board. Their involvement can make the manufacturing floor a safer, sustainable, healthier and more effective workplace. You could also reward waste-reduction efforts by employees to encourage more such efforts.
 
•             Adapt a closed-loop manufacturing approach for it’s a proactive way of handling operations. You can effectively monitor your inventory and successfully use reprocessed materials in the production cycle. It helps create an effective and efficient manufacturing process which basically comprises lean manufacturing. Lean manufacturing techniques can not only help your facility turn green but more profitable also.
 
•             track and reduce the use of harmful materials. Such materials are especially difficult, costly and dangerous to throw away. Choose non-hazardous materials wherever possible.
 
•             Implement the policy of recovering and reusing. You will soon be surprised about the quantum of material which can be restored from waste with the help of various methods such as filtration, electrolysis, centrifugation, reverse osmosis etc. Such materials can commonly be used again which helps reduce the usage of new material and saves your business a lot of money.
 
Recycling Tips
 
Most of the manufacturing facilities are accountable for discarding good quality materials as waste due to carelessness. Such materials can often be easily recycled. Case in point, a majority of plastics, metal, paper, glass, electronics, textiles etc., can be recycled. There is an array of recycling equipment available such as industrial shredders for recycling paper, wood, rubber, plastics etc. The tips listed below can help you approach recycling at your manufacturing facility strategically for better results.
 
•             Carry out a detailed inspection to comprehend the nature of materials being discarded often at your facility. Further, identify the areas which are top disposers of these waste materials. Figure out the recyclable materials. This will help you create a solid strategy to successfully implement recycling initiatives at your manufacturing facility.
 
•             Put up a recycling team under the waste management committee. Require all your employees and encourage them to contribute towards the organization’s recycling goals through recognition and rewards. This will help your manufacturing facility achieve its recycling goals more quickly and more effectively. You could also ask for their feedback to improve the process as per the needs of your facility.
 
•             Sorting is an important step which should be carried out mindfully preceding the actual recycling process. Make use of recycling bins for collection. Name them clearly and place them in a way that they are well accessible by the employees. Don’t shy away from using the trial and error method. It will help you figure out which type of placement of these bins works best for your facility. Proper sorting guarantees that the reusable items reach the suitable place. Assign personnel to monitor these bins.
 
•             communicate with the local recycling organizations. Work together with them. Many of these organizations usually give free counseling on how your facility can adapt the best appropriate recycling approach as per your needs.
 
•             make an effort to continually monitor and look for improvement opportunities in your facility’s recycling process. No system is perfect and as time passes, you will mostly see areas with scope for improvement. You can also carry out a reviews survey among your employees to get a clear picture and ask for their suggestions for improvement. This tip will help you enhance your recycling initiatives.
 
Given the vast nature of manufacturing facilities, implementing waste reduction and recycling programs might seem a challenge. However, the efforts dedicated toward improved waste management strategy and recycling can gain dual benefits – environmental and financial.
 
This article is originally posted on tronserve.com