Waste Audit Services Reveal: 4 Mistakes Businesses Make

Audit Services Uncover Mistakes

Ways Your Business Could Be Saving Money

Every month, Baltimore businesses throw away thousands of dollars. Poor waste choices often cost companies $30,000 or more each year.

Innovative waste management helps protect your profits and keeps operations running smoothly. Companies that plan ahead tend to beat their competitors through better cost control.

Professional waste management companies, like Eagle Transfer Services (ETS), offer audit services that help businesses. 

Here are the four most expensive waste management mistakes we see across Baltimore's industrial and commercial sectors. Plus, proven strategies to avoid them.

The Dumpster Rental Sizing Disaster Costing Businesses Thousands

The single biggest money-wasting mistake Baltimore businesses make? Choosing the wrong dumpster rental size for their construction debris removal projects. This seemingly simple decision creates a cascade of unnecessary expenses that quickly spiral out of control.

When you underestimate your waste volume, you'll need additional containers. Each extra dumpster means separate delivery fees, pickup fees, and additional disposal costs. A project that should require one 30-yard dumpster suddenly needs three 20-yard containers, tripling your transportation costs alone.

The opposite problem—oversizing—appears safer but wastes money through higher rental fees for unused capacity. Many contractors think bigger is always better, but you're essentially paying for air space.

How to Choose the Right Dumpster Rental Size

Successful project managers often check three things:

• What you’re throwing away: Concrete weighs much more than wood or drywall

• How long your project takes: Long jobs may need smaller containers more often

• How much space you have: Tight spaces may limit your options

  
  

Look to ETS for help picking the proper dumpster size for your project.

Why Mixing Materials Costs You More

Mixing materials is one of the fastest ways to waste money. Different types of waste cost different amounts. Mix them together, and you'll likely pay the highest price for everything.

Construction debris gets priced by weight. Regular waste gets priced by the load. Mix concrete with light materials, and the whole container gets weighed. You'll often pay top dollar for items that could cost much less.

The weight difference is substantial. Concrete can triple your container weight.

Smart Ways to Separate Materials

Use these tips to cut costs:

• Use separate containers for concrete, brick, and masonry materials

• Set up metal recycling areas to make money from scrap

• Train your crew to sort materials correctly

• Use smaller containers for heavy materials

  
  

Missing Ways to Make Money from Recycling

Many businesses miss chances to make money from recycling. They don't just save money. They can often pay you back. One of the biggest missed opportunities is the recycling of OCC or old cardboard boxes.

One Baltimore company spent $3,000 each month on waste pickup. They had mixed waste picked up 3-4 times per week. They switched to an OCC recycling program with a compactor. Now they only need a pickup every two weeks. They saved $27,000-$30,000 each year and received rebate money.

Metal recycling can also make money. Scrap metal from your work often has real value. Most businesses throw it away instead.

Ways to Make Money from Recycling

Try these money-making ideas:

• OCC recycling (old corrugated cardboard) - Get rebates from cardboard boxes

• Scrap metal - Make money from steel, aluminum, and copper 

• Packing materials - Special programs for industrial packaging

• Pallets and wood - Turn waste wood into savings

  
  

Keep recyclables separate from regular trash. That’s often the key.

Hidden Costs That Add Up Fast

Disposal fees are just the start. Transport costs, fines, and rush fees often cost more than the actual disposal.

Each extra pickup costs fuel, driver time, and truck wear. EPA fines for wrong disposal can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Rush jobs cost extra. You pay double or triple normal rates when you wait too long.

The proactive vs reactive approach makes a big difference. Planning ahead vs waiting until the last minute can cost 40-60% more across most business types.

How Waste Audit Services Help You Save

Waste audit services find ways to save money that most businesses miss. These checkups look at your waste and operations to uncover savings opportunities.

Real results show these audits work. One Baltimore packaging company replaced its 20-yard container (emptied 3-4 times weekly) with a compactor needing pickup every two weeks. This cut monthly costs by $2,250-$3,000, creating annual savings of $27,000-$30,000 plus OCC recycling rebates.

Savings often depend on your business type:

• Manufacturing companies tend to save the most through recycling programs

• Construction companies often save the most from better debris removal and sorting

• Commercial properties usually save through better pickup timing and recycling

Most waste audit services are free, making them risk-free.

Stop Leaving Money on the Table

Smart businesses avoid rush charges, cut transportation costs through better timing, and make money from recycling that others miss.

Time spent planning pays off immediately. Camera systems help track container fill levels for better pickup timing. Sorting materials right cuts ongoing costs.

Ready to stop wasting money on waste management? Our waste experts give free audits to find your savings opportunities. 

Contact Eagle Transfer Services today. Schedule your free check and see how much your business could save through thoughtful waste planning.

Contact ETS Today