Success Stories: What can we do for you?
MANUFACTURER: Increased Scrap Revenue By More Than $120,000 per Year
With 10 locations in five states, this manufacturer did everything they could think of to cut their waste disposal costs, and then brought us in. We further reduced their trash expenses by 10%, and increased their scrap revenue by over $120,000 per year. We also found a $550 refund.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: 48% Savings and Working Towards Zero Waste
This group project brought in a variety of consultants to develop a plan for Zero Waste. BWM provided a completed WARM model to determine current GHG emissions and estimate future emissions based on proposed initiatives. We also found a savings of $5,600 per year in service inefficiencies.
CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT: Meeting Sustainability Goals
As the Independent Waste Advisor on a Wal-Mart expansion project, BWM developed a CWMP, C & D Waste Training Manual, and handles the online reporting of weigh tickets. Communication with the sub contractors keeps this project on track to meet strict specifications.
Renaissance Faire
SAVINGS FOUND: 32%.
This annual Renaissance Faire runs for seven weekends each May and June. In our first contract year, with just three weeks to opening, BWM developed and implemented a recycling program and cut costs by 32%. This required no capital outlay, upfront fees or time from Faire staff. In 2011 we performed a waste characterization study to determine the types and volumes of waste, so that additional diversion measures can be planned for next year's event. Based on our findings, the Faire operator may choose to work with the vendors to limit the types of materials brought into the event next year, including styrofoam and disposable tableware. Challenges will be maintaining convenience for the vendors while minimizing the waste stream.
Movie Theatre - 8 Locations
SAVINGS FOUND: 40%, totalling $48,000 per year
The VP of Operations knew the waste budget was sky high, but didn't have the time or expertise to get a full understanding of their waste disposal needs. All locations were in franchise trash markets with no choice in haulers. At first glance, some locations looked like they needed more dumpsters or even a compactor. BWM spent weeks doing observations, collecting information, and analyzing the data. The issues we discovered involved under-trained employees, poorly laid out dumpster enclosures, and inefficient schedules. After working with all of these, we were able to resolve the problems and followed up to be sure savings were achieved and maintained. Ongoing training of employees is important to assure continued recycling success. Movie theatres will continue to have very high volumes of waste until someone develops compostable packaging for all the movie snacks we can't live without!