Waste Not Want Not: Advice for Small Business

By Carol Stark, Manufacturing-Works

The basic definition of a waste is any material for which the generator no longer has a use and intends to discard.  What wastes leave your shop/office?  What waste is discarded in your dumpster? Where do you generate the most waste?  Waste disposal is not without a fee.  Do you know how much waste is costing you in time (wasted labor), money and materials?

When the generation of waste is prevented, reduced, reused or recycled, you could end up with more money that can be used for other business needs. 

The following are a few tips to help your business PRRR (Prevent, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Waste):

• Prevent container waste:  Purchase in bulk and request returnable containers from suppliers whenever possible.
• Prevent sump sludge:  Remove floor sumps and dry-sweep shop floors.
• Reduce paper waste:  Reduce paperwork by using email and submitting forms. electronically.  Use a linen service and washable rags instead of paper or scrap cloth.
• Reduce paint waste:  Use higher quality spray paint equipment and waste less paint (save 20-30% in paint costs by increasing paint transfer efficiency).
• Reuse energy source:  Recover energy from used oil with a shop heater or contract a used oil recycling service.
• Reuse waste solvent:  Filter or distill solvents with a recycling parts washer or solvent distillation equipment.
• Recycle electronics: Donate used computers to local Computers for Kids projects.  In Casper, contact Computer Edge 307-237-3979.
• Recycle paint:  Donate leftover or half-used paint that has been opened for a project that is obsolete to Habitat for Humanity

The Wyoming Recycling Directory includes the most current list of recycling programs and community contacts in Wyoming.  Visit http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/business/energy.aspx Or contact the Wyoming Business Council at 307-777-2805, or email tom.fuller@wybusiness.org.

Contact Carol Stark, Manufacturing-Works at 307-234-2687 for additional waste reduction recommendations. Determine your waste(s), save $$$, and reduce your liability. Visit Manufacturing-Works web site at www.manufacturing-works.com