Take the power back
Here, Gareth Jones from Indaver discusses how cleaning companies can benefit from ‘Waste to Energy’ plants.
By definition, cleaning companies work to eliminate mess, remove unwanted disposable products, and sufficiently exercise recycling efforts. However, their ability to support the environment and satisfy clients does not simply end when the rubbish they receive is collected.
Whilst cleaning companies of course often recycle, an increasing number are finding that their eco-friendly efforts are enhanced with the help of ‘waste-to-energy’ (WtE) plants. Putting non-recyclables to the best possible use, WtE plants transform these materials into useful resources.
As cleaning companies across the country are becoming exposed to these developments, it seems that they’re collecting our unwanted goods, recycling and, impressively, acting as an invaluable cog in the machine that is sufficient non-recyclable waste management. Like all businesses, cleaning companies have a ‘duty of care’ to ensure the waste they produce is disposed of in a responsible manner, so they need to ensure they know what the true fate of their waste is.
"Landfills bring with them a never-ending stream of concerning attributes:."
From enhancing eco-friendly brand values to preventing unnecessary landfill and improving employee awareness, cleaning companies are working in conjunction with leading sustainable waste management companies like Indaver, part of an ever-growing, eco-friendly industry. By endorsing and utilising WtE services, cleaning companies are effectively putting all of their waste to the best possible use.
Of course, while recycling is a tremendous venture for all cleaning businesses, it is not a simple endeavour. Accepting the benefits of some recycling whilst still allowing a substantial amount of waste to be dumped without re-use reflects a lack of sufficient consideration for where, and how, waste is being handled. This is something that should be central to all cleaning businesses, built on the premise of a safe and efficient disposal of unwanted materials.
By ensuring that non-recyclable products are put to good use, the WtE process inherently prevents materials from going to landfill, which is an indisputable benefit. Landfills bring with them a never-ending stream of concerning attributes: for example, rain can often get into landfills,
60 | WASTE MANAGEMENT
Leachate can seep into the top layer of soil and even percolate down to affect the groundwater and other water bodies, subsequently posing a multitude of risks to the surrounding ecosystem. While this shouldn’t happen at modern, well-managed sites, it’s unfortunate that sometimes these processes can lead to the contamination of natural waters. It is especially unfortunate when cleaning companies pride themselves on using only non- hazardous products, only for their waste disposal process to cause damage.
Similarly, as the waste in landfills breaks down, this produces methane, the pungent-smelling gas and flammable compound capable of causing a multitude of disorders, including headaches and nausea. Unsurprisingly, this can be of significant concern to surrounding communities, leading to chronic illnesses and controversial debate.
Waste-to-energy plants across the country actively work to protect wildlife and surrounding eco-systems, in order to counteract the criticism they regularly face, as many presume their very existence comes at a detriment to nearby life. Despite popular belief, these plants do not release harmful emissions and have in fact been found to pose no risk to human health, releasing less toxins than rush hour traffic.
When it comes to seeking cleaning services, businesses are increasingly likely to opt for companies that are not harming the local wildlife and eco-system. By working in accordance with WtE plants, cleaning companies can ensure their processes do not contribute to environmental contamination, both in the short and long-term.
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penetrating deep into the ground. Toxins found in this waste can then mix with the water to form a contaminated liquid known as leachate, which can be both a difficult and dangerous problem to deal with.
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