Alexander Spivak

Concepts, Methods, and Strategies for Zero-Waste in Manufacturing

Zero waste in manufacturing is becoming very prevalent in the United States. An effective way of economically achieving zero waste is through the waste assessment process and systems approach. This approach allows businesses to establish green team and process, complete the assessment, determine waste reduction opportunities and economically and efficiently implement them. The system helps to establish an effective way to continuously work on waste reduction, compare alternatives and periodically validate results to achieve stated goals. There are number of strategies and techniques that businesses may use to achieve a zero waste goal. These strategies include techniques for reduction of paper products, packaging, containers and food, as well as identification of other recyclable products. Strategies for collection stations, source reduction, transportation and delivery, alternative uses of products, “green” purchasing and HR actions are also presented in the chapter. It is author’s hope that readers will find new methods and approaches in this chapter that they will implement at their facilities.