The back-to-school season isn’t just a rush for fresh supplies—it’s a signal that businesses must rethink how they handle resource use, efficiency, and sustainability. As students and families gear up for a new academic year, companies across retail, automotive, and food sectors are confronted with overwhelming streams of packaging, product, and material discards. Now more than ever, the smartest organizations understand this challenge isn’t about quick fixes or single initiatives. It’s about looking at the entire system and making it work better, smarter, and more sustainably.

Doing more with less requires a practical approach: data-driven oversight, integrated solutions, and a partner that can see your operations holistically—not just clean up individual messes. Here’s how the most forward-thinking businesses are shifting from piecemeal efforts to strategic, system-based solutions that deliver lasting results.

The Retail Industry: Tackling Complexity with Clarity

Retailers know the pressures of back-to-school all too well. Recent figures from the National Retail Federation reveal spending for back-to-school and back-to-college in 2025 is expected to reach a record $145 billion. While innovative initiatives—like take-back programs and recycled content products—show real progress, true impact comes from looking at the entire chain, from inbound packaging to reverse logistics.

E-commerce has increased packaging waste exponentially, with over 190 billion packages shipped annually in the U.S. Tackling this isn’t just about using recyclable materials; it means redesigning packaging systems, tracking streams across the business, and actively using data to adjust in real time. The retailers finding meaningful, lasting reductions are those working with partners who provide end-to-end visibility, actionable data, and seamless program management across locations and departments.

Automotive Industry: Moving from Compliance to Optimization

Back-to-school momentum extends into the automotive sector as vehicles flood service bays and showrooms. The industry is making impressive progress—swapping out single-use packaging for reusable containers, recycling parts, and pushing for greener processes. But here’s the hard truth: compliance alone isn’t a strategy, and simple substitutions don’t solve the underlying issues if each part of the operation runs in a silo.

According to the EPA, tens of millions of tires and gallons of used oil still end up improperly stored or disposed of. Managing these streams is more effective when you treat the operation as an interconnected system, not a checklist. By integrating compliance, tracking, reporting, and training under one unified platform, organizations can see inefficiencies before they become problems—and adapt as regulations and materials change.

The most successful auto businesses partner with providers who make sense of this complexity, leveraging real-time analytics and tailored process improvements to drive both environmental and financial outcomes.

Food Industry: Connecting the Dots for Maximum Impact

Food businesses, from cafeterias to catering companies, know the pain points of excessive food and packaging waste—especially in high-traffic seasons. Industry research now indicates about 35% of all food in the U.S. is wasted annually, a figure that not only hurts the environment but drives up costs across the entire supply chain.

Leading companies have rolled out food donation programs, switched to compostables, and invested in smarter purchasing software. Yet, isolated programs too often stall or fail amid changing volumes and complex logistics. That’s why the real game-changer is taking a bigger view: unifying waste diversion, procurement, and inventory tracking within a connected system that responds dynamically to data.

The businesses making measurable gains partner with specialists who consolidate data from multiple touchpoints, identify actionable cost savings, and tie sustainability targets directly into operational workflows.

Why Systems—and the Right Partners—Matter

The rapid innovations happening in every industry are cause for optimism. From recycled product lines to circular models and supply chain transparency, it’s clear businesses are invested in real change. But the difference between isolated improvements and transformative results is a system approach—treating your resources, processes, and data as interrelated parts of a larger whole.

Working with a provider who brings holistic insight and practical, data-backed solutions isn’t just preferable—it’s essential. The right partner will help you streamline operations, monitor and optimize every resource stream, and tie sustainability directly to your business outcomes. They’ll analyze data across your locations, technologies, and teams, uncovering trends and delivering tailored recommendations that lead to less waste, lower costs, and better compliance—all without the guesswork or the burnout of managing piecemeal programs.

As the back-to-school rush approaches, it’s not just about keeping pace. It’s about future-proofing your operations. Rather than relying on short-term fixes or the latest single-initiative trend, the businesses that thrive will be those that commit to an integrated, system-wide approach—maximizing both their impact and their efficiency.

And when the season is over, those improvements will continue to pay dividends, positioning your business as a sustainability leader for years to come.

Partnering with experienced experts empowers businesses to take meaningful action—transforming resource challenges into measurable, sustainable gains. The next step isn’t another quick fix; it’s a smarter, system-wide solution.

Summer often brings a shift in customer habits, industry demands and operational challenges for businesses. Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, manufacturing, or healthcare, waste streams tend to change with the seasons. 

For many industries, summer signals an increase in certain types of waste—from food and packaging to construction debris and product returns. To remain sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective, businesses must adopt circular economy principles tailored to these seasonal trends.

Here, we’ll explore summer waste realities across eight key industries and offer actionable tips to help your business manage waste smarter while staying sustainable all summer long and beyond.

Understanding Seasonal Variations in Waste

Seasonal trends in waste streams arise from shifts in consumer behaviors and industry practices. Summer sees increased outdoor events, peak tourism, construction surges, and warm-weather dining. These trends generate specific waste challenges unique to each industry:

• Automotive sees higher vehicle and tire servicing needs as more people hit the road for vacations.
• Transportation/Logistics face challenges with packaging waste from surges in summer shipments.
• Hospitality/Restaurants encounter food waste spikes amid busier outdoor dining seasons.
• Retail generates additional packaging waste from sales of summer seasonal goods.
• Grocery experiences higher demand for seasonal produce, which increases spoilage risks.
• Manufacturing/Construction accelerate activities due to optimal weather, producing more operational waste.
• Healthcare contends with elevated patient volumes (e.g., heat-related illnesses), resulting in more medical waste.

Being proactive during the summer months offers an opportunity to “close the loop” by designing waste streams to be reused, composted or recycled, reducing environmental impact and optimizing costs.

Practical Steps for All Businesses to Close the Loop

No matter your industry, the following steps can help ensure your waste strategy aligns with circular economy principles this summer:

1. Audit Your Waste Streams.
   Identify what types of waste your facility generates most during the summer and evaluate opportunities for reduction, reuse and recycling.
2. Engage Employees.
   Train staff to follow waste-sorting protocols and encourage creative input on waste-reduction processes. It takes a sustainable ecosystem to move the needle.
3. Collaborate with Vendors.
   Work with suppliers who share your sustainability goals, such as those offering reusable shipping materials or eco-friendly products. Or, better yet, if you work with a waste handling company, there’s a strong chance they are connected with a large network of vendors to identify which vendors are best aligned with your goals and values.
4. Use Technology.
   Implement waste tracking systems to monitor volumes over time and assess the effectiveness of your waste strategies. Know which tech is best suited for your company, so you avoid possibly taking on a new challenge.
5. Educate Consumers.
   Build customer loyalty by showcasing your waste-reduction initiatives. Provide incentives for sustainable behaviors, like discounts for reusable containers or participation in recycling programs.
6. Set Measurable Goals.
   Define success with key metrics (e.g., “reduce food waste by 30%”) and communicate progress transparently.

The Benefits of Sustainability All Season Long

Adopting a circular economy mindset brings numerous advantages. By reducing waste, businesses save on disposal costs, improve efficiency and cultivate customer goodwill. Aligning waste strategies with summer demand patterns ensures your operations remain agile and ready to adapt to other seasonal shifts.

Summer may come with its challenges, but it’s also ripe with opportunities. By preparing now and rethinking waste and recycling management, your business can set the stage for sustainable practices that will carry forward into autumn and beyond. Closing the loop isn’t just about cutting waste; it’s about creating a thriving, connected system where resources are always reused and valued. Will your business take the first step?

This revised glossary reflects updated terminology, highlights emerging trends and ensures you’re equipped to tackle today’s sustainability challenges. Get ready to stir up some alphabet soup with these essential waste and recycling terms.

Note: This glossary is for educational and informational purposes, not legal advice.

Types of Waste

Not all trash is created equal. Waste is made up of a variety of materials, each requiring different strategies for management and recovery. Here’s an updated breakdown:

• Construction and Demolition (C&D) Materials – Instead of calling it “waste,” the term “materials” is increasingly used to highlight a focus on recovery. This includes lumber, drywall, concrete, and other materials generated from construction and demolition activities. Update: Many municipalities now prioritize deconstruction practices to salvage materials for reuse or recycling.
• E-Waste (Electronic Waste) – The fast turnover of electronics has led to growing piles of discarded gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Advances in e-waste recycling now emphasize recovering precious metals and rare earth elements.
• Pre-Consumer Waste – Material recycled during the manufacturing process, before it reaches consumers. For instance, fabric offcuts from clothing production.
• Post-Consumer Waste – Refers to items discarded by consumers (think used packaging or old newspapers). Update: The focus on extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs is reshaping how we handle post-consumer waste.
• Biodegradable Waste – Materials that decompose naturally within a short time span, such as food scraps, paper, and untreated wood. New Note: This term is gaining traction over “organic waste,” making its usage more intuitive for consumers.
• Hazardous Waste – Materials that pose risks to health or the environment due to being toxic, corrosive, reactive, or ignitable. Example Update: Lithium-ion batteries, crucial for electronics and EVs, are a growing hazardous waste category, necessitating special handling.
• Plastic Waste – With the global spotlight on plastic pollution, terms like “microplastics” and “single-use plastics” are becoming central to conversations around plastic waste.
• Green Waste – Garden and landscaping debris such as grass clippings, leaves, and tree trimmings. It plays a big role in composting operations.
• Residual Waste – A term growing in use to describe non-recyclable and non-compostable materials left behind after sorting processes.

Management Systems and Processes

Once waste leaves your hands, it enters a complex system designed to sort, process, and (ideally) reuse as much as possible. Here’s what’s new in waste handling:

• Smart Waste Bins – Emerging technologies now equip waste bins with sensors that monitor fill levels, helping organizations optimize collection schedules.
• Anaerobic Digestion – A proven method for composting without oxygen, often used for food waste. It produces biogas, which can be used as renewable energy.
• Baler and Compactor – These machines are mainstays of waste compression, but now, models incorporating AI can better identify and optimize recyclables.
• Commingle Recycling – Mixed recyclables are collected together for processing at materials recovery facilities (MRFs). Update: With contamination in mixed recycling streams increasing, targeted public education campaigns aim to clear up confusion.
• Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) – Where recyclables are sorted and prepared for reuse. The rise of robotics in MRFs is reducing manual sorting errors.
• Waste-to-Value (WTV) – Building on the well-known “waste-to-energy” (WTE), this term highlights converting waste into valuable resources like biofertilizers, bioplastics, and alternative fuels.
• Zero Waste-to-Landfill – A growing benchmark for businesses, this goal means diverting or recovering nearly 100% of waste instead of sending it to landfills.

Recycling and Diversion

Recycling is no longer just about throwing things in the blue bin. Diversion efforts are widening the scope of what can be prevented from reaching landfills. Here’s a snapshot of key terms:

• Circular Economy – Continuing to gain prominence, this approach ensures that materials are kept in use indefinitely, reducing waste and conserving resources. Example: Brands building products with post-consumer recycled content and designing them for longevity and repairability.
• Closed-Loop Recycling – Materials like aluminum and glass that cycle back into their original product form. Update: Policies incentivizing closed-loop practices are taking hold globally.
• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) – A policy approach putting more accountability on manufacturers to handle the end-of-life processing of their products and packaging.
• Downcycling – When materials are recycled into a product of lesser quality, like turning plastic bottles into synthetic fabrics.
• Carbon Footprint – The measurement of greenhouse gases emitted by an activity or product. Update: Corporate decarbonization goals now prioritize emissions tracking throughout the supply chain.
• Leaching – A process where harmful substances can seep from waste into the environment, often associated with landfills. New Issue: Leachate management is critical as landfills expand, especially for managing PFAS (forever chemicals).
• Greenwashing – A consumer awareness term calling out companies that exaggerate or mislead claims about their sustainability efforts.
• Zero Waste – A strategy to ensure nothing becomes landfill-bound by reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting materials.
• Eco-Modular Design – A newer term reflecting product designs that allow for disassembly for easier recycling or replacement of parts.

What’s Next in Sustainable Practices?

Innovation and awareness are reshaping waste and recycling practices every day. By understanding new terminology, you’re better positioned to recognize greenwashing narratives, support sustainable companies, and advocate for better systems.

The alphabet soup of waste and recycling shows no sign of thinning out, and neither should our efforts to keep learning. Whether you’re choosing a smarter way to dispose of e-waste or planning waste-free work operations, understanding these concepts drives us closer to a planet with less waste.

Time to practice what we preach. Start small, but aim big. Your next move––separating recyclables, opting for reusable items, or reducing consumption––can help make these terms less of a conversation starter and more of an everyday norm. Together, we can shift from disposable to sustainable.

Resource: https://sor.epa.gov/sor_internet/registry/termreg/searchandretrieve/termsandacronyms/search.do

The Waste Expo 2025 in Las Vegas continues to illuminate the road ahead for the recycling, environmental services and circular economy industries. From groundbreaking technologies to strategic conversations, the event provided a platform to explore the innovations shaping the future. 

At Quest, our team attended with a mission to stay ahead of emerging trends, strengthen key relationships and uncover tools to better serve our clients. Here are the highlights from our experience and what they mean for the evolving landscape.

1. Strengthening Vendor Partnerships

A key theme of this year’s Waste Expo was the evolving role of vendors. Rather than being seen as traditional service providers, vendors are pivoting to create more value through services like tailored site analyses and waste audits. These enhanced collaborations aim to optimize operations, reduce costs and deliver better outcomes for businesses. For Quest, this represents an opportunity to foster stronger, multi-level relationships that not only solve challenges but create greater long-term value for our clients.

Learn more about how consolidating vendors can simplify operations and enhance efficiency in our detailed guide here.

2. Spotlight on Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The shift toward electric vehicle fleets stole the spotlight at this year’s Expo. EVs promise lower emissions and enhanced operational efficiency, marking a significant transition from traditional fleet technologies. The wide display of EV trucks and advanced charging systems felt like a glimpse into the future, reaffirming our industry’s commitment to sustainable progress. At Quest, we’re already exploring how these developments can integrate into our offerings to help clients meet their environmental goals.

3. Innovation in Equipment Design

This year also showcased fresh innovations aimed at tackling real-world challenges. For example, new open-top container designs featuring dual-directional doors were unveiled, offering flexibility and efficiency in loading and unloading. These kinds of practical advancements are what enable businesses to streamline processes and reduce bottlenecks. Seeing such solutions firsthand helps Quest identify which technologies align with the needs of our clients.

4. Expanding Markets, Expanding Opportunities

Another valuable takeaway was the industry’s focus on expanding into underserved markets. Vendors are exploring ways to grow their footprints, creating competitive dynamics that in turn present opportunities for clients to benefit from better cost structures and service efficiencies. These expansions also signal a promising shift in addressing challenges for businesses operating in regions with limited service options.

5. Advanced Recycling Techniques

Seeing advancements in recycling technology was particularly exciting. Vendors unveiled processes to clean and separate contaminated plastics, enabling these materials to be reused by their original generators. These innovative techniques not only address sustainability goals but also solve operational issues for businesses striving to reduce landfill contributions. Quest is committed to leveraging these innovations to help clients improve recycling rates and achieve their environmental objectives.

6. Adapting to Industry Evolution

The Expo reflected an industry that never stops evolving. From the increasing adoption of EVs to thoughtful discussions around market shifts, the pace of change is consistent and impactful. The announcement of a new, every-other-year format for Waste Expo events signals a potential shift in how these gatherings are structured. Despite these changes, the Expo remains a key opportunity to stay informed, exchange ideas and elevate conversations that push the industry forward.

Sphere is a music and entertainment arena in Paradise, Nevada, United States, east of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Quest Perspective

At Quest, we view events like Waste Expo as essential opportunities to expand our knowledge and deepen our connections. This is how we continue to lead in offering dynamic solutions and insights that meet the unique challenges of the businesses we work with. For us, learning about cutting-edge innovations and fostering vendor relationships isn’t just about keeping up with the industry. It’s about anticipating the needs of our clients and proactively addressing them with expertise and creativity.

By staying at the frontier of industry trends, we ensure that we’re not only a trusted partner but a driver of change in delivering sustainable progress for our clients and their communities.

Our Quest team had the privilege of meeting with valued vendor partners and forging new connections at Waste Expo 2025, focusing on growth opportunities and collaborative market planning.

About Quest

Quest Resource Management Group helps businesses reduce their environmental impact through tailored recycling programs, sustainable solutions and actionable insights. Our focus on innovation and collaboration empowers our clients to meet their diversion goals while driving efficiency and long-lasting value.

Summary: Green’ terms like greenwashing, greenhushing, and greenstalling often come up in discussions about environmental practices and corporate accountability, but what do they really mean? Understanding the language of sustainability is critical for businesses navigating today’s eco-conscious marketplace. Let’s take a closer look at these terms and explore nine “green” terms that are shaping contemporary eco-discourse.

In today’s business world, where sustainability and environmentalism are paramount, the language related to these movements has become increasingly complex. A variety of buzzwords have emerged to describe different practices (and malpractices). Terms like greenwashing, greenhushing, greenwishing, and greenstalling can lead to confusion.

Understanding these “green” terms and their implications is not just beneficial, but essential for consumers and businesses alike. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can navigate the sustainability landscape more effectively and make informed choices. Look at the definitions below and consider bookmarking this page for future reference as you explore sustainable practices.

1. Greenwashing

Greenwashing, perhaps the most well-known term in this category, is a deceptive practice. It involves companies marketing their products or policies as environmentally friendly when they are not. This tactic aims to mislead consumers who are looking to make sustainable choices. An example of greenwashing might be a fossil fuel company promoting its recycling program while neglecting to address its significant environmental impact. It’s crucial to be aware of such tactics and stay vigilant, as they can lead to misguided decisions and a less sustainable future.

Read more about greenwashing and how to avoid it here>>

2. Greenhushing

In contrast to greenwashing, greenhushing occurs when companies downplay or hide their environmental efforts to avoid criticism or scrutiny. This might happen if a business has made strides in sustainability but fears backlash over not being “green enough.” Although it might seem like a modest approach, greenhushing can inhibit transparency and discourage others from recognizing their achievements.

Read more about greenhushing and how to avoid it here>>

3. Greenwishing

Greenwishing describes a situation where organizations express a desire to be more sustainable but fail to take tangible action towards those goals. It’s the equivalent of saying, “I wish I could help the environment,” without making any real commitment or effort to change behaviors. Essentially, it’s a contemplation that lacks substance.

4. Greenstalling

Greenstalling refers to the deliberate delay in implementing sustainable practices or policies. Companies might use this tactic to postpone necessary action under the guise of needing more time to develop solutions. While they bide their time, they continue with unsustainable practices, often misleading stakeholders into thinking they are working towards greener alternatives.

5. Green Botching

Green botching describes the failure of a company to execute its sustainability initiatives effectively. This can arise from poor planning, inadequate resources, or lack of expertise. The term highlights that even well-intentioned eco-efforts can fall flat if not correctly managed, potentially leading to wastage of resources and public disillusionment.

6. Greenshifting

Greenshifting involves shifting the focus from significant environmental issues to smaller, less impactful efforts to project an eco-friendly image. For instance, a company may highlight minor changes—like using recyclable packaging—while ignoring larger pollution problems associated with its manufacturing processes. This tactic aims to redirect attention and critique away from more substantial issues.

7. Greenrinsing

Greenrinsing can be viewed as an extension of greenwashing. It specifically refers to the practice of superficially enhancing environmental claims through misleading labeling or marketing. It’s a way for businesses to present themselves as eco-conscious without committing to genuine sustainable practices, often leading to consumer mistrust.

8. Greencrowding

Greencrowding occurs when companies enter the sustainability arena not to enact meaningful change, but simply to capitalize on the growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. They crowd the space with initiatives that may lack substance or dedication. While the increase in green products can be positive, it’s essential to dissect the intentions behind the flood of new “eco-friendly” options.

9. Greenlighting

Lastly, greenlighting refers to the approval and support of genuinely sustainable projects and initiatives, giving them the go-ahead to proceed. This term emphasizes a positive aspect of corporate responsibility and the recognition of the importance of sustainable practices. Companies that greenlight beneficial projects contribute meaningfully to environmental causes and set a positive example in their industries.

Incorporating sustainability into business practices and consumer choices is increasingly vital in today’s environmentally conscious marketplace. However, the emergence of terms like greenwashing, greenhushing, and the others complicates the discourse. Understanding these various terms enables consumers to navigate the green landscape more effectively and encourages companies to adopt genuine practices that contribute to a healthier planet. As we engage with these concepts, let’s strive for transparency, accountability, and real progress toward sustainability. These principles are not just ideals, but the foundation of a trustworthy and responsible approach to sustainability, providing reassurance and confidence in our collective efforts.

If you need help on your sustainable journey, we invite you to explore Quest’s website further and get in contact with us. We’d be happy to work together to make a positive impact!

About Quest: Quest is a national waste and recycling service provider that enables larger businesses to excel in achieving their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. Quest delivers focused expertise across multiple industry sectors to build single-source, client-specific solutions that generate quantifiable business and sustainability results. Addressing a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables, Quest provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services, gives actionable data to improve business operations, and enables Quest’s clients to excel in their business and sustainability responsibilities.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, effectively managing multiple vendors for waste disposal and recycling services can be quite challenging. This not only consumes valuable time and resources but also leads to operational inefficiencies and unnecessary costs. However, vendor consolidation presents an effective solution for businesses looking to optimize their waste management processes.

Vendor consolidation entails centralizing waste management services with a single-source provider, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple vendors for different services. By partnering with a single-source service, businesses can benefit from:

• Potential to reduce their environmental footprint through more sustainable waste management practices.
• Significantly relieves the administrative burdens, making you lighter and more efficient in your operations.
• Businesses can eliminate the juggling of contracts, invoices, and communications with multiple vendors. 
• Allows for easier management and oversight of waste management activities, freeing up valuable time and resources that can be redirected to core business operations. It’s like a weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what really matters.

Moreover, vendor consolidation can lead to substantial cost savings for businesses. By consolidating waste management services with one provider, businesses can potentially negotiate better pricing and terms, leading to significant cost efficiencies in the long run. Additionally, utilizing a single-source service can offer businesses improved insight into their waste management expenses, enabling more precise budgeting and planning. This strategic financial approach can contribute to a greater sense of confidence and dependability in your business activities.

Another advantage of vendor consolidation is the potential for significantly improved service quality and accountability. Businesses can maintain a consistent standard of service across all locations, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, having a single point of contact for waste management services can simplify issue resolution and accountability, ensuring that any concerns or challenges are addressed promptly and effectively. This can foster reassurance in your business operations.

While the transition to a single-source provider may initially require some adjustments, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term challenges. By centralizing waste management services with a single-source provider, businesses can enjoy reduced administrative burden, potential cost savings, and improved service quality and accountability. As businesses continue to seek ways to optimize their operations and reduce complexities, vendor consolidation stands out as a compelling strategy for simplifying waste management processes and fostering an optimistic, forward-thinking approach.

Take a step towards a more sustainable future by checking out different industry strategies for sustainability on Quest’s website. Let’s work together to make a positive impact!

About Quest: Quest is a national waste and recycling service provider that enables larger businesses to excel in achieving their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. Quest delivers focused expertise across multiple industry sectors to build single-source, client-specific solutions that generate quantifiable business and sustainability results. Addressing a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables, Quest provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services, gives actionable data to improve business operations, and enables Quest’s clients to excel in their business and sustainability responsibilities.

Amid the growing demand for implementing lasting changes in businesses, a company must consider: Of all the sustainability efforts geared towards attaining zero waste, which ones are the quickest, most attainable, most impactful, and yield visible results at no expense? Some industries prove it’s possible. But what does that mean for other industries?

First, let’s review an industry success story. This story is a testament to the fact that achieving zero waste with no added cost is not just a dream, but a reality. By learning from these success stories, we can go through the reality checks within other industries and find out where a company like yours should start.

Industry Case Study: Grocery Achieves Zero Waste at Cost Neutral for Food/Packaging Waste

The food and grocery industry have successfully achieved zero waste for food and packaging at no extra cost. For instance, one of Quest’s major grocery clients uses Quest Progranics® to transform its unsold organic products into compost for farms and gardens. Additionally, renewable energy can be produced from non-organic food materials and packaging, reducing methane emissions and creating a closed-loop process.

Implementing a waste diversion process like this not only ensures that nothing goes to the landfill but also improves a store’s operational efficiency. Importantly, it does so while keeping costs neutral, or even better. This example demonstrates that taking environmentally friendly actions doesn’t have to be a financial burden.

For more information on the organic waste-to-compost process and the valuable insights that can be applied across different markets, you can click here.

Doing the right thing doesn’t have to sting the bottom line!

Industry Possibilities: How Can YOU Achieve Zero Waste at No Expense?

To achieve zero waste, it’s essential to identify which materials hold value. This requires businesses to conduct a waste analysis.

By conducting a waste analysis, a company can: 

• Understand an operation’s ins and outs
• Identify the areas that generate the most waste
• Determine the necessary changes to achieve zero waste

Once the analysis is complete, businesses can use data to make informed decisions. This is especially effective when working with a data management company. Regardless of the industry, the first step toward achieving zero waste at no additional cost is to measure and assess the waste produced.

Reality Check: When starting a new program, it usually requires spending some money before reaching a point where you start saving or stop spending extra money. This is similar to getting a membership at a warehouse club store or a waterpark for the summer; there’s an initial cost. However, after using it for a while, you might notice that you’re saving more money than you’re spending.

So, is it possible to achieve cost neutrality? Absolutely, but it requires commitment. After conducting a waste analysis and establishing a system, it’s important to evaluate the results and make necessary adjustments to reach zero waste goals. This process starts with a dedication to meeting customer demands and preserving natural resources. Your commitment is essential to achieving cost neutrality and sustainability.

Every business is unique, and we recognize that. However, waste analysis is a versatile tool that can lead to customized solutions to suit any business, regardless of its nature or operations. It’s a straightforward and efficient method to achieve zero waste, and it can pave the way to cost neutrality for your business.

We invite you to take the first step towards a more sustainable future by exploring various industry approaches to sustainability on Quest’s website. Together, we can make a difference!

About Quest: Quest is a national waste and recycling service provider that enables larger businesses to excel in achieving their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities. Quest delivers focused expertise across multiple industry sectors to build single-source, client-specific solutions that generate quantifiable business and sustainability results. Addressing a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables, Quest provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services, gives actionable data to improve business operations, and enables Quest’s clients to excel in their business and sustainability responsibilities.

WasteExpo 2024 drew to a close earlier this month. From May 6-9 in Las Vegas, North America’s most significant solid waste, recycling, organics, and sustainability trade show took place. 

It was a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability, showcasing the latest, cutting-edge tech (like AI) that is shaping the future of our industry. This event allowed attendees to engage with some of the most inspiring creatives and thinkers, sparking hope and optimism for a more sustainable future.

For practical insights to invigorate or revolutionize your company’s efforts, delve into the following three key learnings from this year’s WasteExpo!

#1 – Measuring Your Company’s Emissions is Critical

One heavily discussed topic across the panels and show floor was how critical it is to measure your company’s emissions. Many businesses are now focusing on accurately measuring and reporting scope 3 emissions, which can account for around 90% of a company’s total carbon output and 75% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

To make it possible for organizations to commit to sustainability and reduce emissions, a fundamental solution discussed was to develop a system to manage your data collection process. Data-driven insights assist leaders in establishing meaningful goals and cultivating stakeholder trust. Many steps are involved, and having someone to manage the complexities allows your business to focus on its core: caring for your customers.

Tips to Consider:

• Engage the C-suite and board to ensure that everyone in your company comprehends the implications of Scope 3 and how it will affect their business area.
• Minimize the amount of waste produced in operations and implement recycling/reuse measures that result in net greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
• Explore the option of sourcing materials locally and look for low-carbon opportunities. Substitute high GHG-emitting raw materials and transportation modes with lower GHG-emitting alternatives.
• Decrease energy consumption and reconsider energy sources (e.g., generate energy on-site using renewable sources).

By following these tips, you’ll progress towards your sustainability goals, know where you stand, and identify areas for improvement.

At WasteExpo’s “Beyond Myths & Conceptions” session, the panelists shared insights on determining carbon footprints, designing a plan to start a journey toward carbon neutrality, and learning how to create a plan that adds to your company’s bottom line.

#2 – Sustainability is a Continuous Effort

Sustainability is never a one and done thing. Continuous improvement provides a practical approach for organizations to achieve long-term sustainability goals. It involves constantly assessing and improving processes and systems to achieve better outcomes.

By applying continuous improvement principles to address environmental sustainability, you can identify areas for changes and improvements that will lead to more sustainable practices. Keeping this in mind will ensure a continued focus on specific initiatives to support them.

#3 – Reporting: Demonstrate Commitment (Internally & Externally)

Another key topic was how valuable sustainability reporting is for demonstrating your company’s commitment to transparency and building trust with your employees, partners, and stakeholders. By providing clear and auditable data on environmental inputs, leaders can keep all informed about the amount of recycled materials and motivate everyone to continuously improve. 

This fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility, and communicates a commitment to environmental, social, and governance goals to the public and employees. Ultimately, this engagement highlights a dedication to creating positive social and environmental impacts.

For more useful tips from events like WasteExpo, Quest invites you to review our 2023 recap, our most recent South by Southwest visit, or follow Quest’s social media channels (LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook) to stay current with our articles and posts. And save the date for WasteExpo 2025 on May 5-8 in Las Vegas, NV!

About Us

Quest Resource Management Group (NASDAQ:QRHC) is a national provider of waste and recycling services that uses deep expertise to build single-source, client-specific solutions to address a wide variety of waste streams and recyclables across multiple industry sectors. Quest also provides information and data that tracks and reports the environmental results of Quest’s services and provides actionable data to improve business operations.

Latest Trends & Strategies in Bettering Your Business’s Tomorrow

Earlier this month, the South by Southwest festival and conference in Austin, Texas, hosted several sessions focused on the growing concern for our planet and its resources. These sessions aimed to educate attendees about the need to transition from traditional energy sources to cleaner options and to encourage them to take action toward creating a sustainable future for their companies.

The panels, led by prominent industry leaders and government officials, discussed a range of topics, including the business value of sustainability and the integration of electric vehicles into fleets. They also emphasized the importance of reducing waste and utilizing resources more efficiently.

If you’re an executive interested in improving your company’s efficiency while taking steps toward sustainability, you may find it helpful to review the key takeaways from the sustainability-centered panels that took place at SXSW.

The “Go Green to Make Green” SXSW 2024 Panel, featuring experts (L-R) Stafford Sheehan, Kate Sixt, Chris Kanik and Marta Pazos. Photo by Quest RMG.

Business Value of Sustainability: “Go Green to Make Green” Panel

Many people believe that sustainability and business value are conflicting goals. But in reality, companies from various industries are embracing sustainable and eco-friendly procedures and technologies to cut costs, enhance competitiveness, and boost profitability. 

The “Go Green to Make Green” panel highlighted how businesses can become more sustainable and gain a competitive advantage.

Here are the takeaways from the panel:

• What does sustainability really mean?

• • • Chris Kanik, a renowned figure in the sustainability field and the founder of Smart Cups, shared his perspective. He emphasized that sustainability is not a mere buzzword or a popular trend but a crucial element in the preservation of life and resources.
    • Stafford Sheehan, a seasoned chief technology officer and co-founder at Air Company, offered practical advice. He suggested that businesses approach sustainability by considering operational, environmental, and economic aspects. He recommends aiming for at least two out of three, but ideally, all three, making it a feasible and effective strategy.

• How can you make sustainability profitable?

• • Katie Sixt, a leading expert in biotechnology and a Principal Director at the Pentagon, highlighted the potential benefits of her strategy. She pointed out that waste management is a significant issue and recommended focusing on waste reclamation. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also creates new profit opportunities, a win-win situation for businesses.
  • Kanik stressed the importance of marketing sustainability. However, companies need to be careful of greenwashing. They must get accurate data and consider the complete life cycle of a product to determine its total environmental impact. This process takes time, and companies must be diligent and conservative in their reporting and messaging to minimize legal risks. Making hasty decisions without proper analysis can lead to new problems that require additional solutions.

The “EVs: A Big Bet Needing Big Data” SXSW 2024 Panel, featuring experts (L-R) Reid ‘Rusty’ Heffner, Ann Xu, and Dr. Rachael Nealer. Photo by Quest RMG.

Future of EVs: “A Big Bet Needing Big Data” Panel

States, the federal government, and industry have invested billions of dollars in electric vehicles, betting on the idea that American EV adoption will be massive and play a critical role in protecting the planet’s future. However, this is not a guaranteed success. 

Big data can make it a sure bet, and it must be utilized. Sharing data can ensure that charging stations are in the right locations for fleets, supply chains are prepared, and the promised reduction in emissions is achieved. Governments must leverage big data if they want EVs to be successful.

Here are the takeaways from the panel:

• The investment of billions of dollars in EVs by the federal government, states, and industries is a significant milestone. In 2023, 1.5 million plug-in vehicles were sold. However, the panel emphasized that data sharing is crucial to ensure strategically placed charging stations, prepared supply chains, and reduced emissions. The success of EVs depends on the effective utilization of data.
• Planning is critical when building out an EV-charging network to transition fleets. The panel emphasized that data and reporting play a pivotal role in this process, as they can determine whether EVs will support the routes businesses need.

The “Go Green to Make Green” SXSW 2024 Panel, featuring experts (L-R) Angie Crone, Dr. Lara Ramdin, Alexandria Coari and Ben Mand. Photo by Quest RMG.

From Waste to Gold: “Transforming Food Waste into Profits” Panel

It is estimated that about 182 billion pounds of food are thrown away every year in the United States. This amounts to approximately 149 billion meals and over $444 billion of wasted resources. This not only has a negative impact on the environment but also leads to potential losses for businesses.

This session discussed different approaches to reducing food waste and creating impactful products. The experts shared various methods such as making use of more of the harvest, upcycling food and ingredients, and collaborating with businesses and the government to minimize food waste. 

Here are the takeaways from the panel:

• 30%-40% of all food produced goes unsold/uneaten each year in the U.S. Can you imagine eating dinner and immediately throwing a third of it away each time? 
• 8%-10% of our global climate emissions comes from this food waste.
• Wasted fruit could be turned into nutritious powders or used to make compost (like Quest Proganics®). Mountains of valuable ingredients exist in spoiled and rejected fruit that can be reused elsewhere – why toss it? 
• Waste valorization (backed by data) is in the top 10 waste solutions. A life cycle analysis can determine the impact potential.

To improve operational efficiency, business leaders like you can collaborate with others who can gather the data you need to reach a sustainable operation. They can also help you to conserve resources, reuse/recycle, and manage waste properly. 

If you need guidance on your journey, consider partnering with a service provider whose business goals align with yours. Let the above learnings (and all of what we share each month in our leadership column) guide you toward bettering your business’ tomorrow.

Quest Resource Management Group hit several milestones in 2023. We advanced services to our clients by adding deeper expertise in our core verticals and received a U.S. patent for Quest Proganics®. Additionally, Quest generated operational improvements by leveraging AI and IoT as part of our digital transformation, and we continued to build on our sound financial position by growing revenue and reducing debt. 

This year saw many companies teaming up through partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisitions to leverage each other’s strengths to better close the loop and develop more sustainable solutions for the marketplace. Other popular themes included the role of AI, green energy solutions, and using waste as a creative resource.

Click through our thought leadership column roundup below to view the stories that have set the stage for what will undoubtedly be an even more innovative and collaborative 2024!

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