Integrating Safety, Quality, and Environmental Management in Household Waste Elimination Services
Different possible approaches to manage waste
In order to take into account safety, quality and/or the environment, an organization has the choice between two types of approaches
- a product (or service) approach: this involves managing the quality of a product, manufacturing it in such a way as to limit its impacts on the environment, and to anticipate the risks incurred by its future users
- a system approach: this involves controlling the organization of a company in order to limit pollution generated by the activity, reduce the risk of accidents and/or improve the quality of the work carried out
These two approaches are not contradictory and can even be complementary within the same company or the same organization. Once the type of approach has been selected, different approaches are possible:
- the structure decides to define its own approach and make it credible itself among its partners, clients
- it chooses to rely on a predefined approach (which it will still have to adapt to its particular case), based on pre-existing standards determining the organization to be put in place, the criteria to be respected for the products and/or services
These standards generally make it possible to obtain official recognition and certification: a third party can verify that the organization has complied with the standards and issue a certificate of conformity. As the following examples highlight, existing standards, even if they were initially developed for companies, can be adopted by structures of diverse and varied natures.
Diversity of structures adopting a certification approach
The local municipal service is responsible for building, operating and maintaining sewers certification of the environmental management system applied to all of its activities in the cities. Water agencies have the mission to help preserve water resources and fight against pollution while respecting the development of economic activities Certification of the quality management system applied to all of its activities.
The products and services approach
Some companies have built safety, quality and/or environmental standards for the products they market. They then undertake to ensure that all or part of their products comply with the criteria set out in these standards. In order to highlight the products concerned, they display on their packaging a distinctive sign that they have defined themselves: a logo.
In the field of mass distribution, for example, companies have taken the initiative to take action to limit the impact of the products they sell on the environment. To make their efforts known to the general public, they have created logos which appear on product packaging and promote their environmentally friendly nature.
These so-called self-proclaimed ecolabels logos are based on private initiatives. Their credibility is essentially based on the rigor of the standards that support them and on the reputation that they have managed to build.
The use of ecological arguments in communication is subject to all legal and regulatory provisions governing advertising. These rules are organized around two axes: on the one hand, advertising must not mislead the consumer; on the other hand, advertising must not constitute an act of unfair competition.
The advertiser must therefore be able to produce all elements capable of justifying its advertising claims, indications or presentations. Also, it cannot resort to scientific conclusions relating to the environment which are not based on recognized scientific work. Self-proclaimed ecolabels are subject to spot checks by the directorate for competition, consumption and fraud Repression.
How to control waste management in the USA
Controlling waste management in the USA involves a modern approach encompassing legislation, education, infrastructure development, and technological advancements. Federal, state, and local governments implement regulations to govern waste disposal, recycling programs, and landfill management.
Encouraging waste reduction and recycling through public awareness campaigns and incentives is vital. Investing in efficient waste collection systems, recycling facilities, and composting infrastructure improves waste diversion rates.
Implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs holds manufacturers accountable for the end-of-life disposal of their products. Furthermore, fostering innovation in waste-to-energy technologies and promoting the circular economy model contributes to sustainable waste management practices. Collaboration among government agencies, businesses, communities, and individuals is essential to achieve comprehensive waste control strategies and mitigate environmental impact while conserving resources.
