Did you know that recycling everything from food to electronics can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions? While recycling technology and waste disposal practices continue to improve, many people aren’t aware of the ways that waste management can affect the environment. If you’re interested in embracing better waste management in Atlanta and want to know more about its effect on the environment, then keep reading for a quick overview of greenhouse gases.

What Greenhouse Gases Are

Any gas that causes heat to be trapped in the earth’s atmosphere is referred to as a greenhouse gas. Some of the most prevalent greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. The greater the rate of emissions for a particular greenhouse gas, the higher its concentration will be in the atmosphere. Different gases remain in the atmosphere for different lengths of time, and the warming effects of various gases can differ.

Where Greenhouse Gases Come From

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , some of the economic activities that most contribute to the production of greenhouse gases are transportation, electricity production, industry, and agriculture. Also, most of these greenhouse gas emissions are in the form of carbon dioxide, followed by lesser amounts of methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.

Why Greenhouse Gases Matter

Climate change is a natural phenomenon, but the greenhouse gases produced by human activity may drive global warming in an unnatural way. Through activities like raising livestock, driving cars, using energy, and managing waste poorly, human activity can produce greenhouse gases that may promote global warming.

What You Can Do

While climate change is a global issue, there is plenty that you can do in your day-to-day life to help minimize your contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Some examples include recycling, reducing and reusing, choosing energy-efficient home appliances, switching to LED light bulbs, carpooling, and buying products that have less packaging. Other ways to do your part include driving an electric hybrid vehicle, telecommuting to work, and turning the thermostat up or down by a few degrees when you go to sleep or leave the house for the day.

Implementing an effective system for industrial waste management in Atlanta is important for ensuring that your company practices responsible, efficient, and environmentally-friendly waste disposal. To learn more, read on to discover the answers to common questions about industrial waste management.

What is industrial waste?

Industrial waste refers to non-hazardous waste materials that are generated through industrial activity. Some examples of activities that produce industrial waste include construction, textile manufacturing, and automotive maintenance.

Why does industrial waste management matter?

Proper industrial waste management is important for protecting the environment and human health. Also, improving your waste management practices through recycling, zero waste initiatives, and other measures may reduce your regulatory and business expenses.

What types of sites require industrial waste management services?

Some examples of locations that typically need industrial waste management include distribution, food processing, automotive, and manufacturing facilities, as well as warehouses and appliance manufacturers.

How can I reduce my facility’s need for industrial waste management?

There are several steps that you can take to cut down on your facility’s waste management needs. For example, you can upgrade to newer technology that produces less waste, ensure proper training for your employees, maintain your facility and equipment, and implement a recycling program. Also, you can work with your waste management service to track your facility’s waste generation and identify possible areas for improvement.

What is a zero waste initiative?

A zero waste initiative is a detailed sustainability plan that industrial facilities can implement. These initiatives offer companies a number of potential benefits, such as lower material and manufacturing costs, less waste production, and reduced waste management costs. More notably, beginning a zero waste initiative can give your company a greener image, as these plans are designed to help facilities operate in a way that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. If you’re interested in beginning a zero waste initiative, then contact your waste management partner to learn about their sustainability services.

Did you know that something called waste analytics could improve the efficiency of your company’s waste management near Atlanta? Whether you want to save money on trash pick-ups, find ways to reduce waste, or enhance your business’ green image, waste analytics can help.

Waste analytics refers to data about waste generation, and this information can help you understand how your company impacts the environment and what your options are for making improvements. For example, by having concrete information about how much waste is produced, you will be in a better position to determine areas for improvement. Also, knowing what type of waste your business generates can help you decide if you would benefit from a commercial recycling program and, if so, what kind. Finally, by having a better idea of how much waste your company generates in a specific period, you can avoid scheduling trash pick-ups more frequently than you need them. For these reasons, there is a good chance that your business could benefit from waste analytics.

Today, many businesses are choosing to go green by beginning recycling initiatives. If you’re planning to start a company program for recycling in Atlanta , then you can benefit from understanding one of your potential options, called single stream recycling.

Any recycling system in which all recyclable materials are collected in a single bin is referred to as single stream recycling. This option differs from other methods of collecting recyclables that use separate bins for different types of materials, for example aluminum, glass, and plastic. When it comes to beginning a recycling program for your company, the single stream method offers several advantages. First, single stream means that you won’t need as many recycling bins in your building. Second, it simplifies the process for your employees because instead of having to determine which of several bins their waste needs to go in, they only need to decide whether it is trash or recyclable. Finally, single stream recycling can save time, as there is no need to separate different types of recyclable materials from one another.

For businesses that want to have a greener image and cut operating costs by reducing the amount of waste they produce, waste audits are an essential tool. If you’re planning to conduct an audit for waste in Atlanta , then keep reading for some helpful tips.

Set Your Goals

When preparing for a waste audit, it’s a smart idea to determine what you would like to learn from the process. Typically, waste audits are used to identify how much of what types of waste are being generated, the effectiveness and efficiency of current waste management practices, and areas for waste reduction.

Plan for Safety

As exciting as it is to find new ways to waste less and recycle more, it’s important not to dive into the waste audit process without learning how to conduct the audit safely. Learn what safety precautions, such as vaccinations and personal safety equipment, are necessary for the type of waste you will be dealing with and ensure that your team is educated and prepared.

Create a System

To conduct your waste audit accurately and efficiently, you can benefit from mapping out the steps you will take. If you’re not sure where to start, then do a web search for waste audit templates that can provide you with a foundation to build from. Next, create a step-by-step plan and be sure that everyone on the waste audit team understands the process you will use and the audit’s objectives.

Scrutinize the Data

The information that you obtain from the waste audit can be invaluable for making big changes in your business’ waste generation. For this reason, you should take the time to analyze all the data from different angles to get the most benefit from the process. Lastly, be sure to organize the information and keep it available, so that you might refer to it and evaluate your company’s progress the next time you conduct a waste audit.

If you’re like many people who are concerned about cutting back on waste near Atlanta , then you may be interested in learning what one city is doing to make the most of the trash it generates. Watch this video to get an introduction to something called waste-to-energy.

The local government in Alexandria, Virginia partnered with an energy corporation to power more than 20,000 homes with a process called waste-to-energy. Despite recycling efforts, there is still a lot of waste that ends up in dumpsters. This process allows the area to burn their garbage for energy, rather than dump it in a landfill. Through innovation, they have stayed ahead of EPA regulations over the years, for example with new filtration technology for their furnaces, making this waste management process a promising one.

When you are planning on remodeling your home, you may be faced with the challenging task of determining how to dispose of your excess demolition waste and construction materials. A dumpster rental near Atlanta may provide you with the ideal solution during your renovation. Since your remodeling project will only produce a temporary volume of waste, you can rent a dumpster for the timeframe of your project.

Dumpsters are perfectly suited for disposing of renovation waste. Depending on the scope of your project, you can rent a compact dumpster or a large, roll-off container. Your dumpster will be delivered directly to your site, so you will not have to worry about transporting waste from your property. At the end of your project, your team of waste management professionals will be there to pick up your dumpster rental and haul it to the appropriate processing facility. If you are getting ready for an upcoming renovation, now is a great time to receive a quote for dumpster rental prices.

Ferrous waste is a term that is used to describe any type of scrap that is primarily composed of iron or steel. If your business produces large amounts of ferrous waste, consider bringing your items to a facility that offers scrap metal recycling in Atlanta . Metal recycling can be used to repurpose ferrous waste and create brand new items. Your recycling center can even help you to create a waste management plan that provides you with scheduled pickups for your bulk ferrous waste. To help you implement a recycling plan for your business, read on to take a closer look at what you need to know about ferrous waste recycling.

Ferrous waste comes from a variety of sources.

Ferrous waste can be obtained from many of the most common objects and items that we use every day. Among the most common sources of ferrous scrap metals include old automobiles. Along with junk cars, ferrous waste also comes from household appliances, steel structural beams, and old transportation equipment.

Ferrous waste is among the most commonly recycled materials.

In fact, ferrous waste makes up the bulk of all of the various types of materials that are recycled in the United States. In a single year, ferrous waste recycling facilities process up to 72 million metric tons of iron and steel. Due to its renewable and reusable properties, ferrous scrap is a valuable part of the recycling industry.

Ferrous waste must be processed at a dedicated facility.

If you have extra scrap metal laying around your home or commercial property, you will need to bring your items to a facility that has the equipment required to process these types of materials. In order to process ferrous waste, a facility needs to put the raw materials into a powerful shredder. Once the iron or steel has been shredded, it can be melted down in order to create brand new products. Your recycling facility may also sort different types of ferrous waste into categories before it is shredded.

In today’s digital age, our electronic devices are constantly evolving and adapting to include new features and hardware. When you are ready to dispose of a computer, cell phone, or other electronic device, think twice before you toss your item into the dumpster. A company that offers recycling serving Atlanta can help you recycle all of the e-waste that is generated by your home or business. Electronic recycling bins are designed to safely house electronic waste until it can be processed at a designated facility. Let’s review why recycling is so important when you are getting rid of your old electronics.

Provide Important Materials

One reason that e-waste recycling is so important is that your old, outdated electronic items may contain valuable materials that can be used in various industries. Cell phones, computers, and other electronics are filled with precious metals that have been mined out of the earth. Rather than depositing these materials in the trash, you can give them new life by sending them to a recycling facility.

Prevent Landfill Overflow

Our landfills are quickly getting filled up with electronic waste, along with many other types of items. By recycling, rather than tossing, your electronic waste, you can help to conserve the limited space that is still available in our country’s landfills. Since computers and other devices are made out of non-biodegradable materials, they will not be able to decompose after they have been thrown in the trash.

Avoid Toxic Pollution

Along with their precious metals and other valuable materials, electronic items often contain large amounts of toxic substances. After an electronic device is tossed in the trash, its toxic components will start to leech into the surrounding environment. A main component of the e-waste recycling process is to safely remove and dispose of any toxic chemicals or substances. When you take the time to donate your old electronics to a dedicated recycling facility, you can rest assured that you are doing your part to protect the planet from pollution.

When your business creates a new recycling protocol, it can take some time before all of your workers are on board with the plan. In order to recycle effectively, it is crucial for every member of your team to implement recycling practices, throughout the workday. With services from a company that offers waste disposal and recycling serving Atlanta, you will be able to set up a streamlined recycling program that integrates smoothly with the workflow of your business. If you want to get your recycling plan up and running, here are some steps that your business can take to boost your recycling habits.

Place Recycling Bins In Strategic Areas

If your workers are unsure of the location of your recycling bins, they will be much less likely to recycle their waste, throughout the day. As you are setting up your new waste management plan, take the time to determine strategic recycling locations, throughout your commercial property. When your bins are easy to find and access, they will promote proper recycling habits among all your workers.

Create Clear Directional Signs

The recycling process can be confusing for even the most seasoned of employees. To reduce uncertainty about what can and cannot be recycled in each bin, create bold signage that provides clear directions about how to recycle correctly. These signs should be placed throughout your work environment. After you have put up your signs, you may find that more of your employees are ready to start recycling.

Designate a Special Area for Metal and Electronic Recyclables

While recycling paper and plastic can be done through the use of individual recycling bins, larger items may need to be placed in a designated area. To ensure that your workers are able to recycle their old electronics and large metal items, create a designated space that can house these materials. A waste management company can schedule monthly pickups so that you do not have to worry about bringing these items to the recycling center.