The UK and the rest of the world do not currently have the systems and infrastructure in place to ensure 100% of waste gets diverted away from landfill but businesses that have a competent recycling system in place with trusted partners can claim to be a zero waste to landfill company
By using a reputable company who can supply quality recycling equipment and give professional advice, training and support, companies should be able to achieve their zero waste to landfill goals. There are machines out there for recycling and reducing most waste types. Cardboard and plastic are the two most common materials but for companies that produce large quantities of: glass, cans and EPS there is equipment for them too.
Cardboard and plastic are primarily used to package goods and this is why so many companies end up with empty boxes and streams of useless plastic. From distributors to manufacturers to hotels to retailers, any company can produce excessive amounts of cardboard and plastic that would warrant a baler to be able to recycle 100% of the waste.
If a company is using recycling bins to contain boxes and plastic, the chances are the occasional piece of waste will overspill into the general waste stream or become detached in poor weather conditions whilst on site or during transportation. The company cannot claim to send zero cardboard or plastic to landfill in this situation due to the risks mentioned. A baler, on the other hand, will tightly compact 100% of the waste and the high density of the finished bales means they are immune to adverse weather conditions. Balers also act as replacements for recycling bins so bales will not overspill into any other waste stream. Implementing a baler into a company means they can lay claim to sending zero cardboard and/or plastic to landfill.
Some hotels, pubs and restaurants produce excessive amounts of empty glass alongside packaging waste. In this case, crushing it reduces volume and makes it easier to recycle. Using a glass crusher means all glass can enter a bin which sits under the crusher. When the bin is three-quarters full, it will be ready for a recycling collection to ensure no overspill. Whole bottles will fill a bin far quicker and is much more susceptible to overflowing, which means once again this waste could enter an alternative waste stream. Whole glass is also vulnerable to smashing on the floor, which creates a mess and becomes a health and safety hazard.
Companies in the marine sector can produce large amounts of empty cans and tins. Fish producers can end up with high amounts of EPS waste. Both are quite specific sectors with specific waste streams however, there are machines that can help these companies. Industrial crushers of cans and tins and EPS compactors heavily reduce waste volumes, which make transportation easier and therefore recycling easier as well.
Most general waste will sadly be unavoidably sent to landfill, just because there is not a procedure in place currently to reuse it. Waste management companies will keep some waste items that can be turned into green energy but send anything not reusable to landfill.
Recycling and waste reducing machines are the key component when beginning the path to sending zero waste to landfill but secondary factors can help too. Finding a company that will fully train staff members to use the machines to their full potential is a big help. Companies need staff making quality bales for the recycler to collect as loose, flimsy bales are not overly helpful. When new staff members are hired they too would need training. Professional suppliers would ensure their sales team are on hand to always be available for staff training when required.
Making room for or building a bale storage area will also make it easier to recycle cardboard and plastic. Bales can be neatly stacked in an indoor or outdoor shelter, which will keep the premises tidy and ensure waste is kept together so the recycler and collect it quickly without missing any bales.
It is easy to make the change from bins to recycling equipment and this is the main way for companies to achieve their zero waste to landfill goals. It is an important process which will become more necessary as the world clamps down on poor waste management systems and encourages recycling wherever possible.
