Hand Sanitizer Recycling Solution Helps Global Brand Reduce Hazardous Waste Costs by 25%

Case Study

Client

Challenge

The client had been using a large hazardous waste disposal company that processed all incoming material as hazardous waste, regardless of whether some material could be safely managed as hazardous material. This “one-size-fits-all” approach led to unnecessarily high costs and lower diversion rates.

Great Forest Solution

Great Forest uses a tailored approach to uncover cost savings with innovative and sustainable solutions that other companies often overlook. We explore every opportunity, balancing compliance, cost, and sustainability. In this case:

• • We analyzed all the material designated as hazardous waste to weigh possible diversion solutions. With the help of chemists, we identified a sustainable recycling solution for a large amount of hand sanitizer that was considered hazardous because of its high alcohol content.

• • Working through our hazardous waste partner network, we found a specialized vendor who could extract and recover alcohol from the hand sanitizers for reuse in industrial cleaning solvents.

• • As a result, the client was able to divert part of their stream from being managed as hazardous waste to being handled as recyclable or reusable material. Because recovered materials are subject to fewer restrictions than hazardous waste, the client lowered costs for packaging, transport, and processing — achieving significant savings.

• • Great Forest managed the entire process from vendor communications to logistics to ensure a streamlined removal process for the materials.

• • We provided the client with a customized metrics portal to track weight, volumes and diversion rates and to access documentation such as recycling certificates and bills of lading. 

• • We also arranged for the responsible disposal of hazardous waste that could not be recycled or treated.

Results

Great Forest’s new hazardous waste disposal strategy was smarter, more sustainable, and cost-effective. It replaced the old blanket approach that was previously used, which inflated prices and ignored recycling and reuse opportunities. With our help, this global corporation:

• Saved an estimated 25% in hazardous waste removal costs.
• Increased waste diversion and moved closer to their sustainability goals.
• Avoided operational headaches with Great Forest managing all vendor communications and logistics, streamlining the hazardous waste management process.

Let’s Talk: Solutions for Every Type of Waste

If you’re looking for smarter ways to manage hazardous waste, reduce costs, and boost your environmental performance, reach out to our waste experts today.

Great Forest’s hazardous waste partner network spans the globe, enabling us to find the right solution for every type of material. Talk to us today.

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