Current Goals for Waste Min Programs: 2013 "State of the Plant" Infographic

Here's the text-only version. If you would like the more graphic and easy to read version of this information, see http://www.wastemin.com/discuss/index.php?threads/current-goals-for-waste-min-programs-2013-state-of-the-plant-infographic.71/

2013 State of the Plant Reports: Current Goals for Waste Minimization Programs

Getting Started with any new program in a plant can be a tough job... and waste minimization programs are no different. It can be difficult to scope the program because there are so many opportunities, and even the, it can be tough to break old habits and change processes.

To help you get a program started (or even consider a program), we took a look at the goals plants are setting for their waste min programs, and why they are starting programs in the first place. The Waste Minimization forum (wastemin.com) conducted research with 304 leading plants across the US and found the following:

Swinging for the Fences
Any reduction is important, but when you look at the goals plants are setting for their waste min programs, many are "swinging for the fences."

Our waste goal is:
A minimum of 25% waste reduction: 45%
26 to 50% reduction: 16%
51 to 75% reduction: 9%
Goal is Zero Waste: 15%​

Every plant has different processes and wastes, and some wastes are more complicated to reuce than others, but we were surprised to see the number of plants setting zero waste goals corporately.

Who is Calling the Shots?

The driver for your company's waste reduction program?
CEO/Corporate: 27%
We have always done, want to be better: 21%
Environmental Manager: 17%
No formal manager yet: 17%
Department Manager: 6%
Plant Manager: 4%
Others: 9%
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Goals for Waste Minimization Programs

According to 304 leading plants, the most important glaos of reducing and managing waste effectively are:
1) Protecting the environment (56% ranked as the #1 goal of their program)
2) Reducing liability of landfilled waste (21% ranked as the #1 goal of their program)
3) Guarding from potential fines (14% ranked as the #1 goal of their program)
4) Protecting our corporate image (10% ranked as the #1 goal of their program)
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So, how common are waste minimization initiatives in plants today?

The short answer: very, very common.
Facilities with waste reduction initiatives today: 95%
Facilities without any waste reduction initiative today: 5%

BUT... Of the 95% of plants that currently have waste min initiatives, 34% DO NOT have a structured plan or goals.
We call this 34% "The Drucker Chunk"... Why? Because in efforts to minimize waste, "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it."
(Need help getting started with your program and setting the goals? We have an entire Forum on wastemin.com dedicated to Best Practices and ideas to get started)
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5 things to know about The Waste Minimization Forum:

1) It is a forum dedicated to sharing Best Practices for waste minimization, lean manufacturing and sustainability.2) We are dedicated to creating real, usable insights and information that plants can use NOW.3) No question is too large or too small for the Forum.4) No fluff or spin is allowed. No selling, no press releases.5) Join us at www.wastemin.com

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