What to Expect in a Corporate Waste Audit for Industrial Packaging

Waste Audit Process

A corporate waste audit is an essential process for companies aiming to understand and manage their waste streams effectively. When dealing with industrial packaging, including pallets, cardboard bales, Gaylord boxes, IBC totes, and other materials, a waste audit provides insights that can help reduce waste, improve recycling efforts, and optimize costs. Here's a breakdown of what typically goes into a corporate waste audit focused on these materials.

1. Identification and Categorization of Waste Streams

The first step in a waste audit is identifying and categorizing all the waste generated by the company. This includes:

Pallets: Wooden and plastic pallets, both damaged and intact.
Cardboard Bales: Large compressed blocks of cardboard typically found in warehouses and distribution centers.
Gaylord Boxes: Large, sturdy boxes used for bulk storage and shipping.
IBC Totes: Intermediate bulk containers used for storing and transporting liquids and bulk materials.
Other Industrial Packaging: This can include items like drums, crates, spools, and bulk bags.

Each material is logged and categorized based on its type, volume, and condition.

2. Volume and Weight Measurement

Once categorized, the audit team measures the volume and weight of each waste stream. This step is crucial for understanding the scale of waste generated and for making data-driven decisions about waste management strategies.

Pallets: Typically counted individually, with an assessment of their condition (e.g., Grade A, Grade B).
Cardboard Bales: Weighed and measured by the cubic foot or ton.
Gaylord Boxes: Counted and measured, considering the box size and condition.
IBC Totes: Assessed by volume capacity (gallons/liters) and condition (e.g., rinsed, dirty, reconditioned).

3. Assessment of Current Waste Management Practices

The audit includes a thorough review of current waste management practices. This involves examining:

Reuse and Recycling Rates: How many pallets, boxes, and totes are being reused or recycled versus those being discarded.
Disposal Methods: Identifying where waste is ending up—landfills, recycling centers, or being incinerated.
Costs Associated with Waste Disposal: Reviewing disposal costs, including landfill fees, recycling costs, and transportation.
Rebates and Revenue Opportunities: Companies may be eligible for rebates or payments for materials like pallets, Gaylord boxes, and IBC totes, depending on their condition and market demand. By selling these materials to recycling companies or directly through marketplaces, businesses can turn waste into a revenue stream. For current pricing, you can refer to the Repackify Price Index.

4. Evaluation of Recyclability and Reusability

Not all industrial packaging is treated equally when it comes to recyclability and reusability. The audit assesses each material's potential for recycling or reuse:

Pallets: Whether they can be repaired, repurposed, or ground down for wood chips. To check the current market price, visit the Pallet Price Index.
Cardboard Bales: Typically highly recyclable, but contamination levels (e.g., with food waste) are assessed.
Gaylord Boxes: Reusability is evaluated based on condition and structural integrity. Current prices can be found on the Gaylord Box Price Index.
IBC Totes: The possibility of reconditioning for reuse or recycling into new products is considered. For current pricing, refer to the IBC Tote Price Index.

5. Waste Minimization Opportunities

A key outcome of a corporate waste audit is identifying opportunities for waste minimization. This could involve:

Process Improvements: Streamlining operations to reduce waste generation.
Supplier Collaboration: Working with suppliers to reduce packaging waste, such as using returnable containers.
Employee Training: Educating staff on proper sorting and recycling techniques.

6. Compliance and Reporting

The audit ensures that all waste management practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations. This is particularly important for hazardous materials that might be found in IBC totes or certain types of industrial packaging.

Detailed reports are generated to provide a clear overview of current practices, areas for improvement, and compliance status.

7. Recommendations for Improvement

Based on the audit findings, recommendations are made to improve waste management practices. These might include:

Implementing a Pallet Return Program: Encouraging suppliers and customers to return pallets for reuse.
Investing in Cardboard Balers: To reduce the volume of cardboard waste and increase recycling efficiency.
Expanding Gaylord Box Reuse: Finding secondary markets for used Gaylord boxes.
Enhancing IBC Tote Management: Implementing a more rigorous cleaning and reconditioning program to extend their lifecycle.

8. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Finally, a waste audit isn’t a one-time event. Regular audits should be conducted to monitor progress, adjust strategies, and ensure continuous improvement in waste management practices.

FAQ

1. How can my company earn rebates for recycling pallets, Gaylord boxes, or IBC totes?

Many recycling companies and marketplaces offer rebates or payments for these materials, depending on their condition and market demand. By conducting a waste audit, you can identify which materials are eligible for rebates.

2. What factors affect the recyclability of industrial packaging?

The condition of the packaging, contamination levels, and material type all play significant roles in determining recyclability. For instance, clean and undamaged Gaylord boxes are more likely to be reused or recycled than those that are contaminated or heavily damaged.

3. How can a waste audit help reduce disposal costs?

A waste audit can identify opportunities to divert waste from landfills by increasing recycling rates or selling materials. This can lower disposal costs and even generate additional revenue for your company.

4. What are the benefits of regularly conducting waste audits?

Regular waste audits help monitor the effectiveness of waste management practices, ensure compliance with regulations, and identify new opportunities for waste reduction and cost savings.

5. How do I get started with a corporate waste audit?

To get started, you'll need to engage a waste audit professional or an internal team to assess your current waste streams, categorize materials, and measure volumes. From there, you can explore opportunities for improvement and connect with recycling partners for potential rebates.