The current economic malaise has affected companies of every size and type. The cost of just about every raw material continues to rise so fast that many companies are seeing their margins slashed and their revenues significantly decline. To help the situation, cost cutting measures are being instituted in every conceivable way. In particular, many companies are turning to recycling not only dispose of waste but to make a little revenue along the way.
Why Recycle?
The benefits of recycling are varied and touch every part of your business from operations to customer relations. Not wasting valuable materials is the essence of recycling and can be built into almost any business model. Whether you are recapturing waste gas to fuel your facility or simply recapturing used plastics and metals, recycling benefits the environment, the local community as well your bottom line.
What Can You Recycle?
Everyone is familiar with the recycling efforts in the own residential communities that aim to recover and reuse paper, plastics and aluminum. The same concepts apply on the commercial level and can be expanded to include any materials of sufficient value and amount. For instance, used batteries, fluorescent lights and even old tires are all viable candidates for a commercial recycling effort. Of course, waste materials such as aluminum, steel and other more precious metals are even more valuable.
How to Recycle?
Finding the resources and building the infrastructure to recycle may seem like a daunting task and, indeed, it can be. Many companies find that outsourcing the process an experienced, third-party, waste recycling company is far easier and more cost-efficient. Third party vendors, like www.tri-arrow.com, can make recommendations, design and implement the procedures and ensure that your company is in compliance with all provincial and Federal regulations.
One Man’s Trash…
In good times, the efforts spent on recycling may seem like an unnecessary distraction but this is short-sighted. Every business cycles through good times and bad. The use of recycling is a worthy effort that not only benefits a company directly but also contributes to the common good. All companies should be wary of their perception by the public as companies that don’t are treading on dangerous ground. The bottom line is that there is treasure in your manufacturing stream. A prudent company will recapture as much value as possible by recycling their waste materials and turning their literal trash into gold.
Though the vast majority of end-use consumers do not realize it, most modern industries are extremely dependent on one or another of a wide array of chemical compounds. Despite the ever increasing demand for their finished products and the use of hazardous compounds in extremely complicated chemical reactions, the companies in these industries are expected to deal with these chemicals and any resultant byproducts from their use in an essentially flawless manner.
The Problem
While the particulars may vary, the overall situation is common to many companies in a wide range of industries. In essence, many industrial companies find themselves spending an inordinate amount of resources dealing with chemical disposal issues instead of concentrating on their own core business. As mentioned, the specifics are numerous but all of these companies deal, in one way or another, with the following issues:
In-House Costs – Waste Storage and Spills
The proper application, handling and storage of hazardous chemical is always a complicated process. While industrial companies that use hazardous chemicals are very good at handling the chemical itself, they often fall short of when dealing with outdated chemicals or with reaction byproducts. In almost every case, this mismanagement is expensive and time-consuming.
On the other hand, third-party, chemical disposal companies, are in the business of dealing with these unwanted compounds. They have the knowledge and expertise to expertly store, process and dispose of unwanted chemical waste. This competence is even more important in the event of an accident or spill.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
Properly handling chemical waste is not always enough as local and Provincial regulatory agencies will require you to prove the fact. In general, a chemical disposal company deals with the intricacies of government bureaucrats in an ongoing manner. With up-to-date knowledge of the latest regulations, disposal companies have a far greater capability to comply with each and every law or guideline. The savings manifest themselves in lessened fines and decreased regulatory sanctions.
Legal Liability
It is simply wishful thinking to believe that accidents will never occur. Prudence dictates that a company be prepared for such an eventuality or they will pay a fearsome price in the court of public opinion and in actual legal damages. In the event of a catastrophic spill, a company is open to a variety of lawsuits from injury claims through environmental liabilities to damages for simple malfeasance. These costs can swamp a company’s ability to recover and may actually lead to bankruptcy.
The Solution
The need for proper industrial chemical disposal is indisputable; the question is how to accomplish this goal. Certainly, any company can understand the regulations, develop the procedures and commit the necessary resources to handle their industrial waste with an in-house solution.
The question then becomes whether or not they can do it more affordably than by using an expert third-party disposal company like Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery. In most cases, the answer is a resounding, “No”. Using a third-party vendor has many decided advantages. It avoids a variety of in-house costs, reduces the incidence of governmental fines and sanctions and decreases a company’s exposure to litigation.
In the end, the proper disposal of chemical waste requires a substantial investment to perform correctly. A company is eventually going to pay for it in one way or another. The use of a chemical disposal company is, by far, the most environmentally responsible and cost-effective method for dealing with this issue.
No matter how efficient they are, gas and diesel engine powered vehicles produce a significant carbon footprint on the environment. For this reason, it is important to perform as many pollution reducing tasks as possible to help mitigate their effect. The recycling of motor oil is one of the tasks that has become standard procedure but anti-freeze is another material that should also be recycled by any environmentally responsible company.
Why Recycle Antifreeze?
Anti-freeze is not an environmentally neutral liquid. It can contain high concentrations of lead, copper, zinc, cadmium or chromium and poses a significant threat to wildlife and the water table if not disposed of properly. As such, these materials are highly regulated by the Provincial and Federal laws. In addition, since it is manufactured from ethylene glycol, the use of recycled anti-freeze reduces the need for natural gas production.
Best Practices and Recycling Options
While anti-freeze can be recycled on site or with mobile facilities, the most convenient and affordable way to deal with large quantities of used anti-freeze is to utilize a third party hazardous waste management company. These companies have the equipment, knowledge and experience to safely deal with the storage, transport and recycling of your waste anti-freeze. When the recycling process is complete, your facility can then be resupplied with a superior quality, recycled anti-freeze.
The Price for Non-Compliance
In addition to hefty fines, the improper disposal of anti-freeze can contaminate the local water supply. Not only is the dangerous to all the local flora and fauna including humans but can create problems for industries that need a pure source of water for their own manufacturing processes.
The Off-Site Process
The use of a third party waste management company does not relieve your company of its responsibility for the waste material so it is imperative to use one that has an impeccable reputation and solid track record. A superior waste management company, like Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery, will evaluate your waste anti-freeze needs, install the proper storage safeguards at your site and regularly monitor your team’s compliance with safety regulations. In addition, Tri Arrow will collect, transport and arrange for the recycling of the used antifreeze. In short, you can concentrate on your operations and leave the waste disposal process to the experts.
The End Result
Experts estimate that only 12% of anti-freeze is recycled every year. This number represents a significant waste of non-renewable resources and a major environmental risk. Provincial governments are aware of these facts and increasingly investigating non-compliance in this area. It is simply far better to recycle your antifreeze. Your company will avoid fines, recoup some of its costs through the use of a recycled product and, most importantly, remain a solid steward of the environment.
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are one of the hottest political topics of the past few years with some claiming that GHGs are man-made while others maintain that it is a purely natural cycle. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum and your views on the subject, a prudent respect for the environment and for your business demands that you look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and it effect on the natural environment.
The Effect of GHGs
Every farmer or backyard gardener is familiar with the “greenhouse effect” on a micro scale. The wall and ceiling panes of a glass structure allow solar radiation to penetrate the glass where it is absorbed by the plants, soil and other materials inside the house. As a result, the temperature rises. The same effect, on a much larger scale, takes place in the Earth’s atmosphere with “greenhouse gases” acting as the glass panes.
The Problem of Excess GHG Emissions
The increased quantities of the main greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone) threaten to upset the equilibrium between the amount of radiation absorbed by the Earth and the amount that it radiates, As such, the fear is that the average mean temperature of the Earth will increase and create further problems for mankind.
Many solutions to this purported problem are focus on remedying the situation after the fact... Filters and scrubbers are mandated for industrial plants to remove particulates and carbon dioxide, automobiles have catalytic converters and trees are planted across the world. Results have been mixed with many stating that the world is rapidly approaching a point of no return in this matter.
The Responsible Response
Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery Inc., based in Surrey, BC, recognizes the need for environmental responsibility. In fact, our business is dependent on efficient recovery processes in general and recycling in particular. We also understand there is an immediate need to be proactive in dealing with the situation. In other words, it is a far more effective to not create the greenhouse gases in the first place than to deal with them after the fact.
As such Tri-Arrow has embraced a range of processes aimed at reducing their own carbon footprint. Everything from recycling paper and plastics through shipping in larger volumes to decrease rail traffic to developing technologies to repurpose waste oil and fuel products into alternative fuels have been considered and implemented.
The results have been encouraging. In 2009, Tri-Arrow measured its baseline GHG emissions inventory. Since then, emissions have dropped by an average of 10% per year. Tri-Arrow is dedicated to continuing this trend and continues to utilize the latest technologies to make its operations as environmentally neutral as possible.
The watchword with any environmentally dangerous material is caution. This warning is never more applicable than when dealing with debris on a beach or any other waterfront property. Debris can come from anywhere and there is simply no way to tell without adequate testing what is contained in debris that has, quite possibly, traveled across thousands of miles of ocean and washed up on your shore.
A Hidden Danger
The tsunami that devastated hundreds of miles of Japanese coastline and destroyed the three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant complex produced flotsam that is particularly dangerous. In addition to the usual problems of biological and chemical waste, the tsunami caused a significant leakage of radioactive isotopes into the ocean water. Some of these particles have very long half-lives and retain harmful effects even after weeks at sea.
One “Solution”
Already, Federal governments around the world have pledged that they will take all necessary actions to contain and remediate any radiological debris that reaches their shores. Unfortunately, most of these pledges are mere rhetoric with no funds or resources allocated for the actual accomplishment of the goal.
In most cases, the property owner will be left to his own devices. Even municipal districts and provincial governments, without Federal help, may not have the resources to properly clean public waterfront areas. If there is no help for them, what hope does a private individual or company have?
A Real Solution
By and large, the vast bulk of debris from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, as its come to be known, will contain relatively benign wood, plastics and other buoyant materials. Nevertheless, buried in that fiver million tons of debris will be some seriously hazardous materials.
Pardon the pun, but less charged debris could probably be disposed through simple burning or dumping. This debris, however will be watched intently by environmental groups and woe to the company that makes an honest mistake and introduces radioactive particles into the environment.
A more prudent approach involves the use of highly experienced and technically expert, third-party, industrial waste companies. These companies have the expertise and resources to quickly and affordably determine the hazardous nature of ocean-borne debris. All debris can then be handled in the most cost-effective manner and in with the least potential for litigation.
What’s Best
No company should send workers into an unknown situation involving hazardous materials regardless of their origin. The risks are just to great for the employees and for the company. Proper risk assessment and then evaluation of the situation is called for. Most companies do not have the resources or experts to conduct these appraisals. Look to a reputable, experienced, hazardous waste disposal company for help.
Anyone who’s tinkered with their car or tried to fix a leaky pipe under a sink understands the problem of working in a confined space and of confined space entry. An easy job is made difficult and a complicated or painstaking job can become aggravating. Positive results are not always guaranteed. In these two instances, the stakes are not particularly high and a professional mechanic or plumber can be called in, after the fact, to repair the original “fix.”
Unfortunately, companies that produce and store their own industrial waste do not have the luxury of repeated attempts. Industrial waste must be simply be stored and transported properly every time. There is little or no margin for error and the consequences for non-compliance range from government fines to employee harm or death.
In-House Problems
The main difficulty for companies dealing with the management of their own industrial waste is that the process does not usually lie within their core competency. Internal training programs and detailed procedural manuals simply do not make up for inexperience. Following regulatory procedures is cumbersome and slow and is only exacerbated by a confined space entry.
Unexpected or emergency situations are especially troublesome as the employees do not have the necessary experience to deal with the problem in a fast and effective manner. Consulting manuals will lead to an eventual resolution but with heightened tension, significant time loss and increased cost.
Outsourced Solutions
Similar to the situations faced by the backyard mechanic and DIY plumber, turning to a professional solution first for industrial waste storage and transport is often the safest and most cost-effective way to deal with a problem. This fact is most evident when dealing with specialized procedures such as industrial tank cleaning that includes entry into a confined space.
Expertise and repeated practical application is the advantage offered by a third-party industrial waste company like Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery. Our on-site personnel are highly trained and skilled at dealing with all industrial waste issues. While most tank cleaning activities are routine for our certified professionals, they are also experienced in dealing with any unexpected eventuality. In addition, our office staff is knowledgeable about the most current Provincial and Federal guidelines and regulations that pertain to industrial waste management.
Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery, Inc.
Tri-Arrow industrial Recovery has served Western Canadian companies for almost 20 years. Our record of safety and compliance is unmatched by any of our competitors. We are experts at the storage, transport and recovery of all hazardous materials and can advise your company on the best course of action when dealing with these materials. In short, the core competency of Tri-Arrow is industrial waste management and recovery. This simple fact leaves you and your company free to concentrate on more important matters.
A Growing Problem
While the vast majority of companies that produce hazardous waste are responsible stewards of their waste, mishaps and unforeseen accidents do occur. Even if a company deals with a problem in the most expeditious manner possible, the odds are that environmental advocacy groups will take notice. Lawsuits and possible government fines will ensue. A worst case scenario might mean bankruptcy for the company but even a few successful claims could mean years or decades of settlement payments.
The Solution
Aside from not having the problem in the first place, using a responsible and experienced third party hazardous waste disposal company can ensure that all the proper procedures are followed and all the accompanying paperwork is correct. These two factors can significantly diminish the severity of any government sanctions and any settlements arising from lawsuits. In addition, a reputable waste disposal company should carry a sizable amount of Environmental Liability Insurance (EIL) in the event that there is a serious mishap.
Sufficient EIL is Vitally Important
The mere removal of hazardous waste from a company’s storage facility does not relieve the waste generating company of responsibility for the waste. If an accident or mishap occurs, the original company is still at risk for fines and lawsuits. Thus, it is imperative that any third party waste disposal company contracted to transport hazardous waste carry Environmental Liability Insurance. The simple expedient of carrying $2M to $5M of EIL provides another layer of protection for the waste generating company.
The Long View
The transport and disposal of hazardous waste is more likely than not to become more problematic and more litigious. The use of a reputable, third-party waste disposal company with sufficient EIL, like Tri-Arrow industrial Recovery, is the prudent and most cost-effective way to deal with your hazardous waste transport and disposal needs.
The Main Problem
The proper storage of hazardous waste generated by a factory or power plant is only half the battle when disposing of that waste. The waste producer is also responsible for safely and securely transporting that waste to a proper disposal facility. In addition to the personnel and equipment required for proper transport, there is a bureaucratic maze of paperwork that needs to be navigated.
Related Issues
Many companies believe they can more efficiently and cost-effectively manage their own waste transport but they do not recognized the opportunity cost nor the potential liability.Most jurisdictions require specific government licenses or permits.It should be obvious that a company is best at its core business. Any activities that distract from that core are can probably be better handled by a third party vendor. In addition, mishaps can lead to substantial governmental penalties and lawsuits which can dwarf any perceived savings.
A Better Solution
Handling waste cargos is a time-consuming and exacting process. Experience and expertise, however, allows the job to be handled in the most efficient and affordable manner. In short, a dedicated waste disposal company, like Tri-Arrow Industrial Recovery, has the personnel, the resources and the knowledge to expertly handle all your hazardous waste transport needs. We also carry $5M of Environmental Insurance.
Another significant issue is that Federal and provincial governments change their regulations on a regular if somewhat haphazard basis. It is the responsibility of the waste producer keep abreast of and comply with these requirements. As part of their core competency, Tri- Arrow, must intimately familiar with the latest in government-mandated, handling procedures and paperwork requirements. In other words, not only does Tri-Arrow properly handle the transport of hazardous waste, they can prove it.
The Bottom Line
Hazardous waste transport is simply another business function that should be evaluated in the same manner. As with many other business functions, trusting an experienced third-provider often makes the most economic sense.
A Growing Problem
While the vast majority of companies that produce hazardous waste are responsible stewards of their waste, mishaps and unforeseen accidents do occur. Even if a company deals with a problem in the most expeditious manner possible, the odds are that environmental advocacy groups will take notice. Lawsuits and possible government fines will ensue. A worst case scenario might mean bankruptcy for the company but even a few successful claims could mean years or decades of settlement payments.
The Solution
Aside from not having the problem in the first place, using a responsible and experienced third party hazardous waste disposal company can ensure that all the proper procedures are followed and all the accompanying paperwork is correct. These two factors can significantly diminish the severity of any government sanctions and any settlements arising from lawsuits. In addition, a reputable waste disposal company should carry a sizable amount of Environmental Liability Insurance (EIL) in the event that there is a serious mishap.
Sufficient EIL is Vitally Important
The mere removal of hazardous waste from a company’s storage facility does not relieve the waste generating company of responsibility for the waste. If an accident or mishap occurs, the original company is still at risk for fines and lawsuits. Thus, it is imperative that any third party waste disposal company contracted to transport hazardous waste carry Environmental Liability Insurance. The simple expedient of carrying $2M to $5M of EIL provides another layer of protection for the waste generating company.
The Long View
The transport and disposal of hazardous waste is more likely than not to become ore problematic and more litigious. The use of a reputable, third-party waste disposal company with sufficient EIL, like Tri-Arrow industrial Recovery, is the prudent and most cost-effective way to deal with your hazardous waste transport and disposal needs.
In an ideal world, a business would minimize its cost of goods and maximize profit by selling every available piece of merchandise before its expiration date. Unfortunately, this feat is rarely accomplished and businesses are left with expired items that must be disposed of properly and economically.
The Problems There are two main problems facing the manager who must dispose of expired goods. The first situation is fairly easy to resolve and involves the routine disposal of non-hazardous material. The material can simply be sent to the trash or recycled. The problem is merely one of logistics.
The second situation far more problematic as it involves the tracking and ultimate disposal of hazardous materials. Not only must the materials be properly stored, transported and eliminated but accurate records must be kept so as to meet government requirements. The paperwork involved can be extremely labor and time consuming but the alternative, failure to comply, can be even more onerous.
The Solutions In both cases, the disposal of the expired material requires a significant expenditure of time, energy and resources to accomplish the task. These resources would undoubtedly be better spent concentrating on the core needs of the business. A superior solution involves the use of a third party waste management company. Waste management companies bring experience, expertise and security to the process. In addition, in most instances, a third party waste management company can even dispose of your expired inventory items in a more economical manner.
Safety The safe storage, transport and disposal of hazardous, expired inventory is of paramount importance. Simple errors can lead to catastrophe with people injured otherwise harmed and stiff fines form the government. A dependable waste disposal company has the knowledgeable and trained staff, the proper transport vehicles and the correct disposal facilities to eliminate this worry.
Security
Hazardous expired materials must be handled with the proper safeguards and in a manner compliant with government regulations. These regulations change on a regular basis and it is the responsibility of the company to be aware of them. Unfortunately, most businesses are usually too involved in other matters to keep abreast of these changes until it is too late and an accident or governmental review reveals them. It is the business of third party waste disposal companies to monitor these changes and assure compliance.
Economics
Maintaining a dedicated staff to deal with expired inventory is a costly proposition. Unless a company has sufficient need, this staff will spend most of its time idle. In addition, the secure spaces required to store and the vehicles required to transport expired materials are also costly.
Lastly, many expired items are eminently recyclable and can net the company some monies if properly handled. Third party waste disposal companies are designed to take advantage of these circumstances and can minimize the costs and maximize the economic benefits of expired inventory.
The Bottom Line
There is simply no alternative. Disposing of expired inventory, hazardous or not, will cost something. The prudent manager can oversee and diligently ensure that all the proper procedures are followed but at what cost? Waste disposal companies are simply better equipped to deal with this procedure and through recycling may even help recoup some of the costs of the process. In the plainest terms, waste disposal companies can more safely, dependably and economically dispose of your expired inventory.
Doomsayers have been predicting the end of civilization and humanity since the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. So far, their predictions have proved disprove. The current state of affairs on the Earth, however, are not so assured. Nevertheless, whether the claims of global warming advocates are true or not, prudence dictates that all companies and people take a prudent look at the sustainability of the environment.
The Problem
It is an undeniable fact that companies use resources. Just as undeniable is the fact that the Earth has a limited amount of these resources. Without careful husbanding and efficient use of resources and their recycling, these resources will be depleted at a far faster rate than through simple use alone. The end of a reasonable supply of the most necessary resources could lead to severe shortages or worse.
In addition, the wanton use of non-renewable energy sources produces a significant effect on the environment. With a modicum of care, companies can have a significant effect on such things as greenhouse gases, water shortages and landfill use.
One Solution
Environmentally responsible companies can take a proactive measures to alleviate many of these problems. These measures will, in the end, provide a cleaner environment and actually save them some money. Integral to attaining these ends is the use of a forward looking and environmentally conscious waste disposal company.
Waste disposal companies offer a variety of means for aiding in a company’s efforts to minimize their effect on the environment in a cost effective manner. Chief among these are:
Recycling
The very presence of waste as a deleterious effect on the environment. It takes up space in landfills and can potentially pollute the surrounding water table. If it is burned, it will often generate noisome or poisonous gases. For these reasons, it is extremely important that as much of the waste as possible be out to good use through recycling. The reclamation of plastic, metals and papers is not only environmentally sound but can yield financial gains as well.
Transportation Efficiency
Secondly, the transportation of the waste products produces its own environmentally destructive emissions and has the potential for catastrophe if the waste products are allowed to leak or otherwise enter the surrounding environment. A reputable waste management company will provide the most cost effective means of transport through highly efficient trucks or via rail lines. In addition, the proper containers and handling procedures will be observed to protect your company from any potential lawsuits or fines in the event of an accident.
Infrastructure Advice
Companies can also avail themselves of the latest in environmental technologies. These technologies run the gamut from energy efficient light bulbs to the finest in water reclamation and recycling systems. All such systems can generate substantial ROI as well as have a decided positive effect on the environment.
The Final Analysis
Waste technology companies do much more than simply dispose of the waster generated by your business. On site reviews can identify potential problems and opportunities that will improve your waster processing procedures, ensure your company’s compliance with Federal and Provincial laws, improve your bottom line and, most importantly, ensure the sustainability of a safe and clean environment.
