Waste Minimization Opportunities For Industrial Manufacturers

What changes can manufacturers make to reduce waste streams and save money? A recent modification to a successful Department of Energy energy audit program has included a focus on waste minimization for small and medium-sized manufacturers. The program change was incorporated over two years ago and approximately 2000 assessments have been completed nationwide since the change. This paper will examine the results of the combined energy/waste assessments. It will focus on the typical waste recommendations made for three sectors of Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) 2039. Recommendations vary from typical conservation measures such as recycling pallets and cardboard to direct process modifications that reduce water or chemical usage. While some recommendations are general and can be applied to any industry, others are industry-specific.