Ecological waste disposal is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is therefore all the more important to properly dispose of commercial and industrial waste in the company. On the one hand, it is important that business leaders act responsibly. On the other hand, a well-thought-out waste disposal concept should also save time and money. Large quantities of commercial and industrial waste can be disposed of using waste containers or conventional disposal systems. But there is also hazardous waste, the elimination of which must meet specific requirements and regulations.
General regulations for the disposal of private and commercial waste
Following the publication of decrees regarding waste management, companies must ensure the recovery of waste produced by reuse, recycling or any other action aimed at to obtain reusable materials or energy. It is the state law of California that determines that producers or holders of a significant quantity of waste composed mainly of biowaste are required to sort them at the source with a view to their organic recovery. Since 2016, this obligation applies to any producer of 20 ton per year or more of bio-waste.
Finally professionals have the obligation to sort 5 types of waste (paper/cardboard, metal, plastic, glass and wood) in dedicated trash cans. This is the 5-stream sorting of waste. Additionally, there are numerous national and international laws and regulations that must be followed for proper waste disposal:
What is industrial and commercial waste
Many types of commercial waste are also found in households: residual waste, paper and cardboard, glass or organic waste. The disposal of this commercial waste works in exactly the same way as at home: the waste is disposed of separately in the appropriate containers, which are collected by the contracted disposal company. Companies in the industrial sector, in particular, also frequently produce hazardous waste, such as:
- Used oils
- Construction waste
- Chemical products
- Electrical waste
- Wood
- Bulky waste
- Plastics
As with households, businesses must separate their waste and dispose of hazardous waste in the respective special channels. However, there are still some special regulations for commercial businesses to follow.
Sorting corporate and industrial waste under the microscope
According to current regulations in California, the following types of waste must be collected separately for waste separation in commerce and industry:
- Cardboard and paper
- Plastics
- Glass
- Organic waste
- Drink
- Textiles
- Metals
- Residual waste
In the case of construction waste, these components must also be collected separately:
- Insulation material
- Bitumen mixtures
- Concrete
- Brick
- Tiles and ceramics
If this strict separation is not technically possible or economically unreasonable, all waste may be collected in a commercial trash bin. The company must then send the waste to either a pre-treatment plant or an energy recovery plant. Additionally, businesses that separate 90% of their commercial waste are allowed to transport the remaining 10% directly to the recovery facility.
Every company in California is required to provide waste disposal accounts. Managers must demonstrate digitally or in writing that they collect and dispose of waste in accordance with regulations. Photos of waste containers, certificates from the recycling plant or proof of disposal can be used for this purpose. If documentation or waste disposal is not carried out correctly, fines may be imposed.
Proper disposal of commercial waste
What can be put in commercial waste
What can be put in commercial waste
Those who want to collect separated waste and dispose of commercial waste use conventional channels to do so. While the generation of residual or recyclable waste is not limited to ordinary waste, it is important to follow applicable rules and regulations for the proper disposal of hazardous waste. Companies that are exempt from the separate collection obligation can collect their waste in a single bin. However, not everything is allowed in the commercial trash either. The permitted materials are:
- Plastics and polystyrene
- Metals
- Drink
- Textiles
- Debris
- Residual waste
However, this waste must be collected separately:
- Glass
- Organic waste
- Plant waste
- Dangerous waste
- Medical waste
The commercial trash can – container for the disposal of commercial waste
For commercial waste disposal, there are industrial trash cans and waste containers of different designs. Plastic and stainless steel bins are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and allow selective sorting. For waste that does not belong in the commercial trash can, there are also recyclable products and special collectors. This makes sorting waste in companies particularly simple and practical.
Regarding the management of so-called ordinary industrial waste to limit pollution and the impact on the environment, ordinary industrial waste has an impact on the environment that is important to control. Industrial waste must therefore be landfilled according to strict rules. The sustainable development of companies therefore advocates specific sorting methods.