Fact Sheet: Managing Used Containers

Office of Waste Reduction Services
State of Michigan
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources

December, 1991
#9002A

What should companies do with empty containers? Any company that buys supplies must decide how to "get rid" of the containers in which the materials are packaged. Regardless of the type of container, the choice can impact business operating costs.

Fortunately, there are low cost ways to reuse, recycle and dispose of used containers. Depending upon their physical condition, including degree of cleanliness, used containers have commercial value. In fact, used containers should be thought of, and handled as, production by-products. The establishment of a well-thought-out, in-plant system for collecting, cleaning, storing and marketing of used containers can lead to significant business cost reductions.

Points to Keep in Mind

Always Empty Containers Thoroughly

Residual material shouldn't become waste. Leaving material in containers is a waste of business resources. It pays to show employees how to empty containers thoroughly and to stress the need for productive use of all of the materials within each container.

For some materials, it may be necessary to install draining stands to achieve full removal. In some cases it may be necessary to mechanically lift and tilt large containers from the factory floor to help employees reach material residues easily. Dirty containers cost money. Both the reuse and recycle potentials of containers virtually disappear if contamination is present. Market values of containers decrease if visible product remains in them.

Avoid long-term liability. It is especially important to remove all hazardous materials from containers. Federal regulations hold the user of a container responsible for future environmental damage caused by hazardous residues in containers. Users of containers that have held hazardous substances should implement standard emptying and cleaning procedures to assure that hazardous residues are not present in discarded containers.

Avoid Container Damage

The value of used containers is highest if there are no structural defects. Drums and barrel reconditioners will accept badly damaged containers and, where applicable, deposits on containers may be forfeited when damage is severe. Companies are smart to try to minimize damage of containers by using good material handling techniques:

• Don't stack containers too high; avoid putting higher loads on containers than they are designed to withstand.
  
• Use pallets and skids under large containers to enable lifting and moving without stressing the container.
  
• Avoid pushing containers around with the arms of a forklift unless they are designed for it.
  
• Train employees to keep all bungs, rings and lids with containers, preferably mechanically attached, so that they are not lost. Missing accessories lowers reuse and recycle value.
  
• Store containers in a dry location. Provide covering for containers that must be stored outside.

Making Used Container Choices

Ways to "get rid" of used containers are listed below in order of their preference with respect to lowest costs and lowest adverse environmental effects:

• Avoid disposable containers. Many businesses minimize the costs of used containers by using returnable containers. Contracts wit suppliers are drawn to provide that the supplier will back-haul containers (including dunnage, internal dividers, stiffeners, spacers and protective sheeting) each time that new supplies are delivered.

  Not only do returnable containers virtually eliminate disposal costs, they sometimes provide justification for business investment in more efficient container design. For example, special handles may be incorporated for easier handling. The container may be designed for automated inventory control, serving as totes for distributing supplies around the production line. Also, use of collapsible, rectangular-shaped containers minimizes space requirements for storage after emptying and ruing backhauling.

• Reuse containers whenever possible. If uncontaminated and undamaged, virtually all containers can be reused. Many businesses sell their containers to reconditioners who clean and repair them as necessary and then sell them to material suppliers. Barrels and drums must be sturdily built for reconditioning to be an option. For example, 55 gallon steel drums must have 20 gauge side walls and 18 gauge ends as a minimum to be suitable for reconditioning. Arrangements may be made to sell or give used containers to other businesses or non-profit organizations. The services of the Great Lakes/Midwest Waste Exchange (See OWRS Publication "Waste Exchange - Everybody WINS!") are available to help locate businesses that need used containers. The receiver of the containers usually arranges for shipment and, depending upon the quality of the containers, may pay an agreed-upon price per container.

  Many non-profit organizations and citizen groups need used containers for a variety of projects. For example, clean plastic drums are in demand by gardening clubs for backyard composting projects.

• Recycle damaged or unusable containers. Steel, aluminum, corrugated cardboard, paper and many grades of plastic have recycle value. Damaged containers can often be recycled, provided they are free of contamination. Washing and rinsing may be necessary.

  Businesses that wish to recycle containers must first find a broker or processor. The Office of Waste Reduction Services publishes the "Michigan Recycled Materials Market Directory" to assist in this task. Try to find a broker or processor that is nearby so that the containers need not be transported long distances. Work with them to define how many containers will make a "payload" for them. Provide convenient pick-up space and location. In some instances, the broker or processor will want the ends of drums and cans removed and bodies flattened to concentrate the scrap. Corrugated cardboard and paper should be flattened.

• Plastic drums and barrels pose special problems. The thick walls of such containers yield large quantities of plastic for which there is strong marketing demand. But special equipment is required to saw, shred and grind the containers into usable form. Not all processors have such equipment and the search for a capable processors may be more extensive for plastics than for other materials.

  Brokers or processors may not always pay for used containers. But, using their services saves landfill space and may save you money over disposal costs.

  Note: Whether selling or giving used containers to reconditioners, secondary users or processors, businesses should know who is taking the containers and what will be done with them. This is especially important if the containers have held hazardous materials.

Office of Waste Reduction Services
Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, Michigan 48909-7504
517-335-1178 or 1-800-NO-2-WASTE