When fleet management companies are working toward a carbon-neutral operation, It is easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on the vehicles. The real key to carbon neutrality is to reduce the waste management carbon footprint. Keep in mind: wasted materials equal wasted money. That is true for any business. When it comes to waste you\u2019ve got to think \u201cbig picture\u201d.<\/p>\n
An \u201caverage\u201d ton of waste diverted from the landfill reduces an estimated 2.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions. That\u2019s 2.5 metric tons of emissions that you don\u2019t have to buy carbon credits for.<\/strong><\/p>\n So, what types of recycling programs should fleet management companies pay attention to when seeking to operate a carbon neutral operation?<\/p>\n Pallets are a very common item in the shipping and logistics world, and although they are commonly re-used over and over, what happens to them when they break? Typically, they end up in the dumpster. Pallets are a recyclable material<\/a><\/span> that can easily be composted or transformed into biomass.<\/p>\n Packaging materials, which are mainly composed of cardboard<\/a> <\/span>and plastics<\/span><\/a> from breaking down a pallet of goods, or excess material created when wrapping up pallets all end up in a landfill unless you have specifically designed and optimized recycling programs in place.<\/p>\n Fleet maintenance is a critical aspect of your operation, and with that comes used motor oil. Not all oil<\/span> recycling programs<\/a><\/span> are created equally, some companies recycle used motor oil as a fuel, others re-refine it to produce packaged oil for example. so make sure that whoever you choose to recycle your used motor oil is using the best option for your carbon goals.<\/p>\n Used oil filters must be properly recycled but the regulations are vastly different from one state to another.\u00a0 In addition, the materials that make a filter are changing as more filters are now made of plastics instead of metal. Make sure that all of your used oil filter recycling programs<\/a> <\/span>are not only in compliance with regulations but also in-line with your carbon neutrality goals.<\/p>\n Other waste fluids like antifreeze<\/a>,<\/span> brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluids ALL have specific regulations on how they can be disposed of, and in many cases, are recyclable.<\/p>\n Tires are a huge contributor to the waste a fleet produces. Traditional methods of disposing of used tires<\/a> <\/span>are extremely carbon-heavy, so finding the right recycling program can offset all of that carbon in a much more environmentally friendly way.<\/p>\n Operating a carbon-neutral operation is a transformation that delivers 4 key benefits for fleet and logistics s companies<\/a><\/span>.\u00a0 Overall waste reduction is the real key to a carbon-neutral operation because, if you\u2019re just buying carbon credits without first reducing your waste \u2013 you\u2019re spending that money twice: Once in wasted materials, and again in carbon credits, you wouldn\u2019t have to purchase otherwise. Every ton diverted from a landfill count.<\/p>\n Quest understands that fleet management companies seeking to operate a carbon neutral operation will look to implement fleet efficiency measures in priority.\u00a0 \u00a0Becoming carbon neutral is a long process that requires to follow a strict 6 steps process<\/a> <\/span>to be successful. However, overseeing your operation waste management carbon footprint is a critical error that may cost you millions every year.<\/p>\n\n
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