The team at First Onsite in Surrey, B.C., continuously seeks innovative ways to operate sustainably. Their efforts have earned them recognition from EcoClaim as leaders in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the insurance claims industry.
“Our branch is striving to have an industry-leading environmental stewardship program in place where we execute our day-to-day work using environmentally friendly processes that are also user-friendly for our people and beneficial to our various stakeholders,” said Regional Operations Manager, Andrew Platt.
Challenges of waste management
In the restoration industry, waste management poses considerable challenges. Restoration companies often face substantial and unpredictable expenses for waste disposal. Each day, large volumes of cardboard waste are generated from a wide range of services this large branch offers. This waste requires large storage bins and a regular bin pick-up service. These frequent weekly waste pickups increased vehicle traffic at the facility and increased the company’s carbon footprint through transportation emissions.
Acquiring a cardboard baler was a logical step to mitigate these operational challenges. Balers use a hydraulic press system to compress large quantities of cardboard and other waste materials into compact, manageable bales, facilitating easier storage, handling, and recycling.
For First Onsite, the baler has not only reduced waste disposal costs and their carbon footprint but will also generate revenue for the branch through rebates while providing a safer workspace — making it a win-win-win.
First Onsite purchased the baler from their waste management partner, Maple Leaf Disposal, which was custom painted in the company’s colors making it a point of pride for the team. The company’s first cardboard bale weighed in at a whopping 855 lbs. and was composed of ~1,400 boxes. The multi-use baler can also be utilized to bale other waste materials including plastics and packing paper.
