Every business produces waste, even small businesses. Dealing with waste can be a major occupation in and of itself, as you have to deal with contractors, contracts, as well as local and federal laws and regulations. It doesn’t help that many small business owners have learned or acted on erroneous assumptions about waste management! Here are four common myths about small business waste generation and the facts to keep in mind while creating effective waste disposal processes.
Myth: Small Businesses Don’t Generate Much Waste
You know you produce waste, but do you know how much? You may think it’s so minimal that it’s barely worth worrying about. The truth is you may be creating more waste than you realize, leading to bad waste management strategies, higher disposal costs, wasted materials, and damage to the ecosystem! Conduct a waste audit, and keep track of what’s leaving your facility as waste. You may discover ways to save the environment and your financial bottom line!
Myth: Recycling Isn’t Worth the Effort
No time for recycling? Not true! Some small business owners think recycling isn’t worth the effort or that it’s too much bother for a small company to implement. In truth, recycling goes a long way toward sending less waste to landfills. Take time to segregate recyclables. Enlist employees in the process of separating and sorting recyclable materials. Working as a group makes the recycling process much more efficient.
If your waste disposal company doesn’t offer recycling options, find one that does or partner with local recycling programs in your community. You’ll help the local ecosystem, boost your reputation as a responsible merchant, and maybe even discover a few more ways to be resourceful with materials.
Myth: All Waste Is the Same
Not all waste is equal. You can’t throw it all into one bin and hope for the best! Various types of waste, including recyclables, require different handling methods. Especially hazardous waste! If your business produces waste that runs the risk of reactivity, ignitability, corrosiveness, and toxicity, you must hire a disposal company that collects and discards it while following both the law and environmental safety protocols.
Myth: Waste Management Is Too Expensive
It’s a common misconception that effective waste management is too expensive for small businesses. While there may be initial costs associated with setting up waste segregation systems or purchasing recycling bins, the long-term benefits outweigh these expenses. Discuss the possibility of deals and discounts with waste disposal experts.
A well-tooled process also delivers possible returns on recycling, and supports more streamlined operations overall. Also, through a legal and efficient waste disposal process, you avoid the expense of fines and legal proceedings that may come with non-compliance. Implement a waste hierarchy strategy—reduce, reuse, and recycle—to reduce your status as a waste generator!
Those are four common myths about small business waste generation. Ignore them from now on, and adopt more effective waste management practices. It’ll lead to a greener future, financially as well as ecologically!
