Health Products Manufacturer

This company, with 110 staff, makes products for domestic and export markets. Its operations site includes a production facility, packaging and dispatch as well as a shop and education centre. There was some recycling/reuse prior to the audit. Most cardboard boxes were re-used, with the rest separated and recycled. In addition, used 40-gallon drums and pallets were given away at the gate. The remaining waste was collected in two nine cubic metre skips, emptied weekly. Waste to landfill was 36 tonnes per month, resulting in disposal costs of almost $4,000 per year.

Waste minimisation/cleaner production steps included …

• Introduction of internal paper recycling systems in all offices, meeting rooms and copy rooms, and maximisation of cardboard recycling.
• Separation and recycling of all glass, aluminium cans, tins and plastic milk and drink bottles, with a full recycling system in the cafeteria.
• Collection of food scraps for pick up by a local pig farmer.
• Recycling of toner and ink cartridges.
• Introduction of environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
• Introduction of green print purchasing and procedures (eg recycled paper, mineral oil free inks, double-sided photocopying).
• Continuation of drum and pallet re-use.
• Assessment of production processes to minimise large plastic wrap volumes which are, at present, not recyclable.

Results

• With increased recycling, one skip became surplus to requirements.
• 66% reduction of waste to landfill through re-use and recycling.
• Approximate annual cost savings of $2,000.

The company is now encouraging the local community to recycle. Located in a rural area with no other recycling options available, it has set up a recycling 'drop-off' point for use by nearby businesses and the local school. Staff use the drop point for their own household recycling as well.