Should a Business Have an Off-Site or On-Site Waste Sorting System?

Do you work at a place that produces waste? Do you utilize off-site or on-site waste sorting systems? How and where do you sort your waste?

Off-Site Sorting

With off-site sorting, different materials all go in the same dumpster. So you might put wood with metal and cardboard, for example. Then a truck hauls that waste away. It typically goes to a transfer station where it’s sorted. Certain items are deemed reusable and ready to recycle while other items will end up as landfill waste. On-site sorting means items are sorted where you work, though– you have several dumpsters. Each dumpster is specifically for one type of waste, such as “the cardboard dumpster” or “the metal dumpster.”

Off-site sorting is cheaper because you’re using fewer dumpsters and need less hauler deliveries. On-site sorting may get you recycling rebates, but off-site is ultimately the more cost-effective option.

Do you have the space for many dumpsters? If so, great. If not, then it makes sense to utilize off-site sorting. Would workers properly distribute items to their right dumpsters? If so, great. If not, then what’s the point of on-site sorting? If your workers are efficient and care about the work they do, on-site sorting is a good idea, but if they’re lazy and don’t care, off-site makes more sense. Also, having one “commingled” dumpster on-site (rather than several dumpsters) means less traffic at the worksite, so that could be a good thing.

Partnering With a Waste Management Consultant

Look for a waste partner who can help you/your company make smart decisions on whether off-site or on-site sorting makes the most sense… Oftentimes, a combination of both methods is ideal.

Whether you process 15 or 500 tons of material per day, Action Compaction Equipment can design a system for you and install it. Call 801-565-1033 for more information.