There are many misconceptions regarding waste management and this is often because it’s an afterthought of the production process. Here’s some of the key false beliefs we often come across when engaging clients.
Truth: Sending waste for recovery or recycling is often the same price or less than waste disposal routes such as landfill. For high value waste streams such as waste electronics and batteries, some companies will offer free collections or rebates on the waste you send them, thus making recovery outlets more cost effective than sending the material for disposal. Disposal costs are also rising as taxes are put in place to discourage poor waste management and incentivise waste recovery and recycling.
Truth: Effective waste management can take more time and resources to find appropriate outlets, however, it is rarely more expensive and can often cause businesses to become more efficient with the purchasing of raw materials. Additional benefits can come from the positive PR by advertising good waste management, such as 'zero waste to landfill' or '95% of our waste is recycled’ improves reputation and sets apart a business from their competitors.
Truth: Companies of all sizes should be managing their waste. It’s a misconception that you need a dedicated team of hundreds of man hours to implement waste reduction strategies. Simple and cost effective changes to optimise current processes can make a big difference.
Truth: It’s possible to use one business and consolidate the billing for all waste streams. Many waste management firms now offer a fully integrated service that won’t necessarily result in an increased cost. You should be able to secure a good rate for a large volume of material rather than small volumes being sent to multiple outlets.
Truth: You have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure that when you transfer waste to another holder, that the waste is managed correctly throughout its complete journey to disposal or recovery. As a waste producer it is part of your duty of care to ensure the waste is managed properly. This should include checking that the destination is licensed to accept the material.
