Eaton Facility Achieves Zero Waste to Landfill

Eaton’s aerospace facility in Titchfield, UK, has achieved zero waste to landfill through strategies such as recycling, re-use and new work processes.

Eaton is encouraging its manufacturing sites to achieve zero waste to landfill as part of its waste management program and also as a means to reduce its carbon footprint.

In 2013, Eaton reduced its landfilled wastes by about 18 percent, or 4,900 metric tons, as part of a global zero waste-to-landfill program. Together, more than 40 Eaton sites around the world have eliminated 2,500 metric tons of CO2.

Eaton defines “zero waste-to-landfill” as consistently achieving a landfill waste diversion rate of 98 percent through reuse, composting, recycling or incineration — but only if the heat generated by incineration is collected and used in order to create more energy than was required for the incineration process.

Eaton zero-waste sites undergo an audit process that includes verifying that at least 98 percent of a site’s waste is diverted consistently for three months.

The Titchfield facility’s waste reduction program began in January 2014 when employees identified sources of more than 85,900 kilograms of waste sent to landfills over the previous two years.

A waste-management council developed a plan to reduce landfill waste by implementing a recycling program and distributing color-coded collection bins across the site to make recycling convenient and stress the importance of waste segregation. Employees also received “waste cards” to explain the color-coding system and recyclable materials.

Last month health and hygiene company RB, whose brands include Calgon, Woolite, Clearasil and others, announced it achieved zero manufacturing waste to landfill in Europe and North America.