4 Essential Reasons Manufacturers Should Take Waste Management Seriously
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, industries in the United States produce 7.6 billion tons of waste annually. As such, managing this industrial waste is integral to environmental protection. Unfortunately, some companies do not implement various waste management practices, leading to environmental pollution.
Read on to learn about four reasons manufacturers should take waste management seriously.
1. It Impacts the Company’s Surrounding Environment
Industrial wastes are common in manufacturing since they are produced after each production process. These wastes may differ because different raw materials are used for each process. However, industrial wastes are categorized into solids, liquids, and gases. Thus, they can cause air, water, and soil pollution if not managed correctly.
This affects the manufacturing company’s surrounding environment. For instance, dumping liquid wastes into open rivers contaminates the water, affecting aquatic life. Furthermore, farmers may use the same water for irrigation, undermining food quality.
Additionally, gas emission leads to global warming. It causes anomalies in the surrounding area’s climate, such as heavy rains and typhoons. Thus, manufacturers should implement various policies to foster environmental conservation.
2. It Reduces the Company’s Production Costs
One of the benefits of having a good waste management system is that it eliminates process-related inefficiencies. Implementing a waste management system is strenuous and time-consuming, but it benefits the company long-term. This is achieved through recycling, which is an effective waste management strategy.
It entails reusing some of the company’s waste materials. For instance, a soft drink manufacturing company may wash and sterilize used glass bottles and reuse them to store their drinks. As such, it minimizes the company’s production costs because they do not have to buy new storage bottles.
Additionally, it minimizes the company’s production time. Some waste materials can be recycled, making them readily available for manufacturing. Ultimately, incorporating a good waste management system fosters resource utilization, increasing the company’s profits.
3. It Affects the Health of People Living Near the Industries
The improper management of waste affects the health of those living close to manufacturing companies. Approximately 7 million people die annually from environmental pollution due to the poor management of industrial waste. Most of these people are those living close to these manufacturing companies.
The pollutants from industrial waste enter the body through the skin and when breathing. It leads to various diseases, such as asthma, skin and eye diseases, bronchitis, and cancer. The health effects of these pollutants depend on the rate of exposure, making those living close to these manufacturing companies prone to diseases.
Additionally, companies that do not effectively manage their waste may face lawsuits from the surrounding community. These lawsuits may damage the company’s reputation or force the government to suspend their licenses if found guilty of violating the environmental laws.
Furthermore, the companies may pay hefty fines and damages, thus increasing their expenses. Manufacturers should take waste management seriously to avoid harming those living near their plants.
4. It Boosts the Company’s Business
People’s awareness of the importance of environmental protection has increased over the years. Today, many people are purchasing eco-friendly products to contribute to conserving the environment. For instance, most people buy eco-bags because they are recycled instead of paper bags.
As such, many consumers may be willing to buy your products, especially if they do not pollute the environment during production. One can use it as a marketing strategy when advertising their products. For example, you can incorporate a disclaimer in your advertisements that customers should return the glass bottles for recycling instead of throwing them.
Companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to manage their waste effectively. Contact Tiger Sanitation LLC for a customized waste management plan that meets your plants’ needs.