Case Studies

Major Paper Manufacturer

Customer Profile

A large paper manufacturer who regularly generated large quantities of waste paper and baled cardboard from processing, as well as occasional large amounts of offspec or outdated unused paper products which they sold to a recycler.

Challenge

  • The customer regularly generated large quantities of waste paper and baled cardboard, and sporadically produced sizeable amounts of off-spec or outdated, unused paper products.
  • Paper waste was sold to a local recycler that provided an onsite trailer, and charged a fee for truck rental and transportation.
  • Rebates were not clearly identified by commodity and tonnage.
  • Additional recyclable commodities were going unused.

Solution

  • Performed a comprehensive waste assessment that identified seven separate grades of paper commodities were identified.
  • Negotiated rebates for each commodity based on the Official Boards of Markets.
  • Old balers were replaced with new equipment to produce heavier bales.
  • A separate baler was installed to divert plastic shrink wrap from the waste stream.
  • Negotiated separate rebates for cardboard, as well as shrink wrap.
  • A thorough training and awareness campaign encouraged recycling.
  • A cleaning service was hired to collect office recyclables to further minimize the waste stream.

Financial and Environmental Benefits

  • Diverted significant amounts of additional recyclables.
  • Reduced solid waste costs significantly.
  • Realized $4,500 in rebates in the first month alone – more than all rebates. for the previous 12 months combined.
  • Recycling reports define tonnages and rebates by commodity.

Working Towards Zero

  • Ongoing cost savings through regular assessment of needs and refining recycling programs to identify further commodities.