Waste Diversion Success: How One Company Diverted 91% of Waste at its Manufacturing Site
To support its journey toward zero waste, a U.S.-based manufacturer partnered with Arcadia to gain a deeper understanding of its waste streams and uncover opportunities for improvement. By combining detailed waste characterization studies with data-driven insights, the company transformed how waste was managed at the site level—achieving significant gains in diversion performance while creating a foundation for replicating success across its broader operations.
Use Case
Leveraging data-driven waste audits and operational insights to improve diversion rates, reduce landfill waste, and support scalable zero-waste initiatives across manufacturing operations.
Challenge
A U.S.-based manufacturer was committed to reducing the amount of disposable waste it generates. In 2021, they had been able to reach 65% waste diversion but were still well short of the 90% waste diversion rate necessary to achieve their zero-waste goal. There was also an opportunity to take the learnings from this facility and replicate the results across other sites.
Solution
Arcadia conducted the first Waste Characterization Baseline Study at the facility in Q2 2022. This included a guided tour during production hours where additional waste generation points and downstream diversion opportunities were identified. The study also included a 24-hour collection of all landfill waste materials. Waste samples were sorted by material type, and the weight and volume of each type were recorded.
The study validated whether processes, bin placement, signage and labeling, and staff engagement aligned with implementation standards — including color coding bins to the corresponding materials, putting signage up that showed the materials that should be going into the bins, and conducting training to review the various new disposal processes.
Opportunities for improvement were identified, including room for improvement when diverting currently recyclable materials like fabric, plastic film, and cardboard — and implementing new recycling services for plastic strapping and commingled materials (e.g. bottles, cans, and paper).
Benefits
A second Waste Characterization Study was conducted in the second half of 2023, analyzing and validating five months of waste data (Jan 2023 through May 2023) to assess what progress had been made at the site. Arcadia’s validation audit showed:
- 91% waste diversion rate (up from 65% in 2021)
- Average monthly trash decreased to 34 tons (compared to 100 tons in 2021)
- Average monthly recycling increased to 350 tons (compared to 186 tons in 2021)
The company will continue to find improvements where possible and estimates they may achieve 97% diversion in the near future. They also plan on rolling out similar interventions across additional sites.
Turn waste data into measurable sustainability impact
