Sustainable Development
How can we meet the needs of our business today without diminishing the capacity of future generations to meet theirs? Sustainable development implies a broad view of human welfare, a long term perspective about the consequences of today’s activities, and the full involvement of society to reach viable solutions.
At the core of every sustainable development plan is the reduction, recycling, and reuse of materials. Key to the success of sustainable practices is the implementation of an effective waste disposal program.
Rising disposal costs and increased regulations require a change in the way we approach our customer’s waste stream. It is critical to re-evaluate, and adopt aggressive action plans as a continuous process. Our plans can typically be grouped into two broadly defined categories: (1) source reduction or waste minimization (2) waste diversion or recycling/composting programs. These two groups are often complementary. Our recycling/composting programs are typically net loss activities when collected in small amounts, in terms of operating costs and revenues, but when avoided disposal costs and other potential pollution and energy savings are accounted for, these programs may in fact be quite profitable.
Our client’s waste stream is continuously analyzed, categorized and identified for disposal/recycling based on market variables and quantities. Modest returns are earned on some materials such as mixed paper and cardboard while substances such as wood and plastics require additional expenditure for treatment and disposal by qualified organizations. The processing system as a whole is efficient.
Under a national scope National Waste Associates operates recycling programs with a “best in class” recovery rate while reducing waste to landfills. This is motivated partially by necessity. Many landfills are close to reaching capacity, landfill tipping fees per ton have increased between 700-1500% over the last twenty years, and recent implementation of the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act’s have brought change to the way we dispose of our waste.