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Nothing Goes to Waste: Shipping Used Products
11/07/2024
There are innumerable products that can have a second, or even third life, simply by being recycled and reused. This includes everything from scrap aluminium and copper to used clothing and linen, all of which are frequently shipped around the world to be transformed into something new.
Not only does the shipping of used products contribute to sustainability and resource efficiency on a global scale, but efficient waste logistics also plays an important part in the recycling and waste management industry.
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Waste Management: Examples of Frequently Used Products
Waste logistics and management typically involve the bulk transportation of used, recyclable products to recycling facilities around the world. Once these products reach their final destination, they can then be processed and reused as widely as possible.
Examples of frequently shipped used products span many categories, including:
- Waste paper (including waste paper scraps and waste paperboard)
- Scrap and waste aluminium
- Worn or used clothing and used clothing accessories
- Used blankets
- Used linen and textiles
- Used shoes
- Scrap copper and copper waste
Waste Management: Examples of Frequently Used Products
Waste logistics and management typically involve the bulk transportation of used, recyclable products to recycling facilities around the world. Once these products reach their final destination, they can then be processed and reused as widely as possible.
Examples of frequently shipped used products span many categories, including:
- Waste paper (including waste paper scraps and waste paperboard)
- Scrap and waste aluminium
- Worn or used clothing and used clothing accessories
- Used blankets
- Used linen and textiles
- Used shoes
- Scrap copper and copper waste
For waste management to be effective, recyclable or used products need to be collected and transported as efficiently as possible. For example, when shipping wastepaper, either domestically or internationally, typically 20 or 40-foot containers are filled with bales before being shipped to recycling facilities or paper mills. Once there, the wastepaper cargo is processed and decontaminated before being transformed into new paper products.
Shipping used products helps contribute to the reduction of waste and the environmental impact that comes with discarding certain products. In turn, this practice aligns with the principles of a circular economy, helping to minimise the strain on natural resources and ultimately emphasising our approach to resource management.
Shipping used products such as scrap ferrous metals, the extraction of which can cause air pollution and is highly energy intensive has several advantages. Aside from resource conservation, waste reduction, and less pollution, reusing existing items also helps preserve biodiversity and minimise the ecological damage caused by extracting pure resources from natural habitats.
Economically, shipping used, or waste products has numerous benefits. Purchasing used products is often more affordable for consumers, which helps contribute to a diverse and accessible marketplace, and helps businesses expand their potential customer base. Equally, shipping used products also helps reduce the manufacturing costs that come with creating new products specifically, while also promoting resource efficiency. This helps ensure the overall economic sustainability of a business and brings corporate social responsibility (CSR) benefits and a positive brand reputation.
Embracing Sustainability in Waste Management
With numerous used products able to be shipped worldwide, not only are businesses helping to promote the efficient use of resources but also reducing energy and waste disposal costs.
Investing in waste logistics also aligns with global goals towards achieving environmental sustainability and helps contribute to the cultural shift towards responsible consumption on an international scale.
Embracing Sustainability in Waste Management
With numerous used products able to be shipped worldwide, not only are businesses helping to promote the efficient use of resources but also reducing energy and waste disposal costs.
Investing in waste logistics also aligns with global goals towards achieving environmental sustainability and helps contribute to the cultural shift towards responsible consumption on an international scale.
Because of their nature, there are several rules and regulations that need to be taken into account when planning your approach to waste logistics and shipping used products.
Transporting any waste products needs to be done in compliance with safety regulations and guidelines, including customs declarations and environmental permits. Depending on the location, there can also be international agreements like the Basel Convention, that must be adhered to.
Aside from this, quality control regulations are also an important factor when it comes to effective waste management. For example, when shipping wastepaper, exporters need to ensure that its recycling value is maintained, and that the cargo will meet the specifications of papermills and recycling facilities.
Ask MSC
If you’re considering importing or exporting waste products and don’t know where to begin, contact us today to explore how MSC’s full range of shipping and transportation solutions could be beneficial for your business.
