Best Ways to Dispose of Industrial Packaging

Industrial packaging plays a pivotal role in protecting goods during transportation, storage, and distribution. However, the disposal of industrial packaging, if not handled responsibly, can pose significant environmental challenges.

“All companies that handle products need efficient packaging solutions, as these influence the companies’ efficiency in both internal and external flows,” says a research paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in 2022.

While a lot of thought is given to choosing the right packaging material and supplies, not all businesses consider the implications of disposing of packaging.

“End-of-life of packaging can be troublesome and should be considered early in the development phase as well. After consumption, the material becomes waste, which if not well managed can be harmful to the environment (e.g. plastic littering),” says the paper in the Journal of Cleaner Production. “In order to have a chance of becoming sustainable, it is crucial for companies to make their logistics activities as sustainable as possible, as they may represent over 90 percent of businesses’ impact on natural resources.”

From cardboard boxes to plastic bins, stretch wrap to bubble wrap, understanding the best ways to dispose of these materials is crucial for minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.

The Importance of Proper Packaging Disposal

Proper disposal of industrial packaging is essential for several reasons:

• Environmental Preservation: Improper disposal of industrial packaging can lead to pollution of land, water bodies, and air, endangering ecosystems, and wildlife.
• Resource Conservation: Many packaging materials are derived from valuable natural resources. Proper disposal ensures that these resources are conserved and utilized efficiently.
• Energy Savings: Recycling and reusing packaging materials require less energy compared to manufacturing new materials from scratch, contributing to energy conservation efforts.
• Waste Reduction: Responsible disposal practices help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, ultimately mitigating the strain on landfill capacity.

“Due to poor waste management systems around the world, the majority of plastic packaging that is sent to landfills ends up in our natural environments. 8 million tons of plastic is dumped in the ocean every year. Plastic pollution threatens wildlife, alters ecosystems, and poses risks to human health,” says the Supply Chain Solutions Center.

Recycle, Reuse, and Other Standard Packaging Disposal Options

Industrial packaging materials typically fall into several disposal categories, including:

• Recycle: Materials such as cardboard boxes, paper packaging, and certain types of plastic containers can often be recycled. Recycling conserves resources and reduces the demand for virgin materials.
  
  
• Reuse: Packaging materials like plastic bins and durable cardboard boxes can often be reused multiple times before reaching the end of their lifecycle. Reusing packaging reduces waste and lowers overall environmental impact.
  
  
• Compost: Biodegradable packaging materials, such as certain types of cardboard and paper products, can be composted under the right conditions, contributing to soil health, and reducing methane emissions from landfills.
  
  
• Energy Recovery: Some non-recyclable packaging materials, such as certain plastics, can be converted into energy through processes like waste-to-energy incineration, offering an alternative to landfill disposal.
  
  

Putting Packaging Disposal in Order: From Reduce to Landfill

Even before reusing and recycling, there is another “r” that is important: reducing. Let's look at a hierarchy of the proper way to dispose of industrial packaging:

1. Reduce: The least impactful way to deal with packaging is to never use it in the first place! Explore alternative packaging options like reusable containers, and refillable systems, or opt for suppliers who use minimal packaging.
   
   
2. Reuse: Give packaging a second life! Encourage employees to reuse boxes, pallets, and packing materials internally. Look for local businesses or charities that can utilize your used packaging, diverting it from landfills.
   
   
3. Recycle: This is a classic for a reason! Invest in separate bins for different recyclable materials like cardboard, paper, plastic, and wood. Partner with reputable recycling companies that handle industrial waste responsibly.
   
   
4. Compost: Biodegradable packaging like cardboard and wood shavings can be composted, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil. Consider setting up an on-site composting facility or partnering with a commercial composting operation.
   
   
5. Energy Recovery: Certain types of waste, like plastics with high calorific value, can be used for energy generation through incineration. However, this should be a last resort due to greenhouse gas emissions.
   
   
6. Landfill: This should be the absolute last option, reserved only for non-hazardous, non-recyclable, and non-compostable waste. Ensure safe and responsible disposal through licensed landfill operators.
   
   

Disposal Options for Different Types of Industrial Packaging

Here are some ways to dispose of different types of industrial packaging that your business might use daily:

Cardboard Boxes:

• Recycle: Cardboard boxes are highly recyclable. Flatten them before recycling to save space and make transportation more efficient.
  
  

Plastic Bins:

• Recycle: If plastic bins are damaged beyond repair, check if they are recyclable in your local recycling program.
• Reuse: Plastic bins are durable and can be reused multiple times. Consider returning them to the manufacturer or repurposing them for storage.
  
  

Stretch Wrap and Bubble Wrap:

• Recycle: While stretch wrap and bubble wrap are not always accepted in curbside recycling programs, some recycling facilities may accept them. Check with your local recycling center for guidelines.
  
  
• Reuse: Both stretch wrap and bubble wrap can often be reused for packaging or cushioning fragile items during transportation.
  
  

Strapping:

• Recycle: Some types of strapping, particularly plastic strapping, may be recyclable. Contact local recycling facilities to inquire about their acceptance of strapping materials.
  
  

Best Practices for Disposing of Industrial Packaging

Most businesses care about sustainability. Here are some best practices that your company should consider when it comes to the disposing of industrial packaging:

• Segregate Materials: Separate different types of packaging materials to facilitate their appropriate disposal. This helps ensure that materials are directed to the most suitable recycling or disposal streams.
  
  
• Follow Local Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with local recycling and waste disposal regulations and guidelines. Not all materials may be accepted in your area's recycling program, so knowing what is permissible is essential.
  
  
• Minimize Packaging Waste: Whenever possible, choose packaging materials that are easily recyclable or biodegradable. Opt for minimal packaging designs to reduce waste generation.
  
  
• Implement a Waste Management Plan: Businesses should develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans that prioritize recycling, reuse, and responsible disposal practices. Also, consider investing in a waste audit.
  
  
• Stay Informed: Regulations and recycling technologies are constantly evolving so stay informed on the latest developments. Do not be afraid to reach out to waste management companies for expert advice.
  
  
• Educate Stakeholders: Educate employees, customers, and suppliers about the importance of responsible packaging disposal and encourage participation in recycling and reuse initiatives.
  
  

Proper disposal of industrial packaging is essential for environmental sustainability. By adopting responsible disposal practices and exploring recycling, reuse, composting, and energy recovery options, individuals and businesses can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.