Fleet Management Companies Secret to Carbon Neutral Operation
When fleet management companies are working toward a carbon-neutral operation, It is easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on the vehicles. The real key to carbon neutrality is to reduce the waste management carbon footprint. Keep in mind: wasted materials equal wasted money. That is true for any business. When it comes to waste you’ve got to think “big picture”.
An “average” ton of waste diverted from the landfill reduces an estimated 2.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions. That’s 2.5 metric tons of emissions that you don’t have to buy carbon credits for.
So, what types of recycling programs should fleet management companies pay attention to when seeking to operate a carbon neutral operation?
- Pallets and mixed wood
Pallets are a very common item in the shipping and logistics world, and although they are commonly re-used over and over, what happens to them when they break? Typically, they end up in the dumpster. Pallets are a recyclable material that can easily be composted or transformed into biomass.
- Packaging material
Packaging materials, which are mainly composed of cardboard and plastics from breaking down a pallet of goods, or excess material created when wrapping up pallets all end up in a landfill unless you have specifically designed and optimized recycling programs in place.
- Used Motor Oil
Fleet maintenance is a critical aspect of your operation, and with that comes used motor oil. Not all oil recycling programs are created equally, some companies recycle used motor oil as a fuel, others re-refine it to produce packaged oil for example. so make sure that whoever you choose to recycle your used motor oil is using the best option for your carbon goals.
- Used Oil Filters
Used oil filters must be properly recycled but the regulations are vastly different from one state to another. In addition, the materials that make a filter are changing as more filters are now made of plastics instead of metal. Make sure that all of your used oil filter recycling programs are not only in compliance with regulations but also in-line with your carbon neutrality goals.
- Used Automotive Fluids
Other waste fluids like antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and differential fluids ALL have specific regulations on how they can be disposed of, and in many cases, are recyclable.
- Used Tires
Tires are a huge contributor to the waste a fleet produces. Traditional methods of disposing of used tires are extremely carbon-heavy, so finding the right recycling program can offset all of that carbon in a much more environmentally friendly way.
Operating a carbon-neutral operation is a transformation that delivers 4 key benefits for fleet and logistics s companies. Overall waste reduction is the real key to a carbon-neutral operation because, if you’re just buying carbon credits without first reducing your waste – you’re spending that money twice: Once in wasted materials, and again in carbon credits, you wouldn’t have to purchase otherwise. Every ton diverted from a landfill count.
Quest understands that fleet management companies seeking to operate a carbon neutral operation will look to implement fleet efficiency measures in priority. Becoming carbon neutral is a long process that requires to follow a strict 6 steps process to be successful. However, overseeing your operation waste management carbon footprint is a critical error that may cost you millions every year.
Contact Quest today, and let us figure out how to reduce and eliminate as much of the waste your fleet creates to help you achieve your carbon neutrality goals.
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