8 Tips on How to Reduce Waste in Manufacturing

Manufacturing plants generate a lot of waste that can include anything from wasted raw materials to cardboard and more. By taking the time to find out how to reduce waste in manufacturing, not only can you reduce waste costs but also make your plant more productive and improve your bottom line.

Tip #1: Evaluate How Much Waste You Generate

Before you can reduce waste, you need to know how much you are presently generating. This is easy to do by reviewing how much trash you are creating each day and how many materials you are wasting. You should review this every day for a few weeks to get a decent average.

Tip #2: Determine What Types of Waste You Generate

Once you know how much waste you are generating, you can determine what type of waste it is. You can break it down into different categories, such as paper, plastic, metals, and so on. By knowing what types of waste your plant generates, it will help you determine the best waste reduction solutions.

Tip #3: Start Recycling

One way to reduce waste is by implementing a recycling program. Some of the waste may even be recycled and reused by your facility. You can get help finding other companies that purchase recycled materials by speaking to a waste management consultant.

Tip #4: Invest in Trash Compactor and Baler Equipment

Most waste haulers charge by the trip, not the volume of waste. If you need daily trash pickups, chances are there is a lot of wasted space inside the dumpster—namely, air. To ensure you are maximizing trash pickups, you should purchase a trash compactor.

A compactor will compact waste so that you can utilize every inch of space inside the dumpster. A baler is also a great investment to help with recycling. Balers can compact plastics, cardboard, and other recyclables so they can be bundled in cubes.

Tip #5: Conduct a Waste Audit

One beneficial thing you can do at least annually is to have a waste audit performed by a reputable waste management company. The audit will examine your current processes and help uncover additional opportunities to reduce your waste costs.

Tip #6: Utilize Waste Consulting Services

Another great practice is to take advantage of waste consulting services through the same waste management company that did your audit. These services can help negotiate better prices with your waste hauler, offer advice on what equipment you should be using, and more.

Tip #7: Train Your Employees on New Practices

Once you know how you can reduce your waste and associated waste costs, you need to make sure your employees understand what they can do to help. They should be trained on any new waste compactor and baler equipment, procedures, and other new practices.

You could even offer incentives for your employees—like the top 10 employees who have the least amount of waste generation get a paid day off or special lunch celebration.

Tip #8: Evaluate Your Packaging

Packaging can be a huge waste generator for manufacturing plants. They often use a “one-size-fits-all” approach that is never a good idea. Instead, look for packaging options that are eco-friendly and which reduce how much packaging you are using.

For more great tips on how to reduce waste in manufacturing, or to request a waste audit with one of our waste management consultants, please feel free to contact Global Trash Solutions at 866-760-8194 today!