The holiday season brings a surge in shopping, both in-store and online. From mountains of packaging to returned products that may contain hazardous materials, management of returned, damaged or expired products becomes increasingly complex and voluminous during the holidays and post-holiday season. Retailers must navigate these challenges while staying compliant with regulations so they can ensure smooth operations and demonstrate environmental responsibility. Companies with expertise in regulated waste management can offer valuable services and insights to manage holiday waste efficiently and sustainably.
Material return volumes and, in turn, disposal needs rise dramatically during this time of year, but the type and composition of waste vary depending on a particular retail sector. Department stores may face large amounts of packaging materials, unsold goods and returned items, while ecommerce retailers often deal with higher volumes of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap and plastic packaging.
As the holiday season comes to a close, this is when waste challenges linger, and the impact is most felt. Retailers should take this opportunity to address both waste volume and diversity by identifying and categorizing common waste streams like packaging materials, returned products, and specialty or hazardous waste items. Properly identifying these streams helps make sure they are directed toward the right disposal or recycling solutions.
Another critical factor is regulatory compliance. With an increased volume of waste comes greater risks of failing to meet local, state and federal regulations governing hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Non-compliance can result in steep fines, reputational damage and even public health concerns. Ensuring compliance mitigates risks for your business and builds trust with customers and stakeholders.
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Effective management of waste streams is more than just cleaning up; it also connects to broader environmental goals. Whether it’s reducing landfill contributions, cutting emissions or finding ways to reuse unsold inventory, the way waste is handled matters for your business and the planet.
Additionally, consumers are increasingly paying attention to these efforts and want to support brands that align with their values. By managing waste thoughtfully and sustainably, retailers can reduce their environmental impact and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
Practical Steps for Managing Post-Holiday Waste
Retailers can implement practical steps to handle increased waste volumes that incorporate streamlining operations, a focus on sustainability and safeguarding their brand. Here’s where to start:
1. Set up proper waste accumulation areas.
First, set up proper waste accumulation areas, particularly for hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Designate space for items like aerosols, batteries and electronics. Waste accumulation areas help ensure these materials are stored safely and do not create unnecessary risks. In addition, proper labeling and training for employees can go a long way in making sure waste is handled correctly and stays compliant with regulations even before transport.
2. Disposal solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous waste
From hazardous materials to general waste, having the right waste management partner makes all the difference. Waste management providers ensure waste is handled safely and in compliance with regulations. Furthermore, professional waste management providers can help you take advantage of solutions like recycling programs and fully vetted community donation programs. This is where choosing the right waste management provider becomes critical.
3. How to choose the right waste management partner
Finding a partner that understands your business, can anticipate your seasonal needs and knows how to handle everything from routine recyclables to hazardous materials will be crucial to your everyday operations and compliance audits. Look for a waste management partner who offers flexibility and scalable solutions, especially during the holidays when volumes can spike overnight. They should bring deep expertise in both hazardous and non-hazardous waste regulations to help your business stay compliant without the headaches.
Providers with a robust infrastructure and proven experience can handle complex demands, such as managing hazardous waste streams, transporting regulated materials and ensuring safety every step of the way. At Clean Earth specifically, we have 19 Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) and a robust footprint that makes up a nationwide transportation network that allows us to handle these complex requests.
Beyond operational support, a good waste management provider will share your sustainability values. Alternative solutions to traditional waste disposal may be available to properly render and recycle or beneficially reuse certain non-salable products. Solutioning provides an opportunity to do better for our planet, and that’s where the right partnership really adds value. Make sure to prioritize vendors that put sustainability at the forefront. By partnering with experts, you can focus on what you do best — serving your customers — while leaving waste management in capable hands.
The post-holiday season presents unique waste management challenges, but with the right strategy, retailers can turn these challenges into opportunities for efficiency and sustainability. By addressing waste fluctuations, identifying waste streams, adhering to regulations and prioritizing sustainable solutions, retailers can manage waste responsibly while enhancing their environmental reputation. As the retail industry continues to prioritize sustainability, partnering with professional waste management providers can help retailers with their compliance, safety and environmental needs.
Melanie Frohriep is VP, Regulatory Affairs and Environmental Compliance at Clean Earth. She has been with the company for over 20 years, holding positions in multiple business areas, including operations, safety, and regulatory affairs and environmental compliance. In addition to her robust experience, Frohriep is an esteemed leader who inspires others to dig in, ask questions, and be thoughtful in their work. She was a founding member of Enviri Women, Enviri’s first employee resource group, and remains an active steering committee member today.