Waste management in logistics and distribution centers
The scale of logistics and distribution operations directly impacts the quantity and complexity of waste management. Large volumes of packaging, distributed locations, and non-standard operational needs require efficient coordination. Discover Interzero’s proven services for logistics and distribution centers, designed to streamline processes, optimize costs, and reduce the workload of operations teams.
The challenges of waste management in logistics centers
Management of high volumes of packaging waste, mainly from multiple packaging, for transport and e-commerce
Effective compaction of high volume, low weight waste
Maintenance and periodic checks of waste compaction equipment
Correct waste separation to maximize its value and promote its recovery
Management of products no longer marketable, including recalled or damaged items
Constant monitoring of the filling levels of the waste areas
Compliance with the obligations set out in the PPWR, depending on the company's role in the supply chain
Adaptation to future packaging reuse quotas applicable from 1 January 2030
A proven model for waste management in logistics and distribution
Waste management in logistics and distribution centers offers significant scope for optimization, both economically and operationally. Drawing on our experience in the sector, we have developed a range of services that address the industry’s key challenges and generate measurable economic, environmental, and organizational benefits.
Our solutions include proven methods for managing large volumes of packaging waste, planning logistics flows, optimizing storage areas, selecting the most suitable infrastructure, such as balers and containers, and managing unsellable products.
Every Interzero service is based on a proprietary operating model already successfully applied at other organizations. We therefore have detailed knowledge of how to organize each phase of the process, what infrastructure is required, and what critical issues may arise. For each new project, we adapt a validated model to the specific needs of the site, accelerating implementation and reducing the risk of operational inefficiencies.
A single partner for the management of all flows: from packaging to defective products
Waste management and coordination of multiple suppliers can represent a significant organizational challenge for logistics centers. To reduce the burden on internal resources and optimize management costs, the entire process can be entrusted to a single specialized partner.
We have developed a waste management outsourcing service for logistics and distribution companies. This comprehensive operating model includes the management of all waste flows, collection coordination, selection of treatment plants and technologies, and documentation and reporting management.
The service can be activated at a single site or extended to a network of locations throughout the country. The scope of services can also include compaction equipment selection, ongoing environmental consulting, and oversight of the destruction of unmarketable products.
Interzero acts as a single point of contact for the entire waste management process, constantly monitoring the market to identify the best pricing for logistics services and the valorization of recovered materials. We also support cost control by organizing tenders among suppliers and verifying invoices issued by various operators.
The service is designed to manage both recurring flows and unscheduled requests. In addition to ordinary waste, such as cardboard and plastic film, it also allows for the management of new types of waste and occasional interventions related to damaged, recalled, or unsellable products. This way, companies can count on constant support for both daily operations and extraordinary needs.
1,800 collections from 40 hubs: an Interzero success story
The initial challenge
A logistics operator wanted to reduce costs and improve the management of packaging waste generated by nearly 40 hubs across the country. Following a recent merger, it was necessary to standardize processes and increase profitability through a thorough reorganization of the entire waste management system. Another critical issue was the management of products for disposal, which ranged from food and electronics to chemicals and hazardous waste. Each branch managed these activities independently, posing potential regulatory and organizational risks.
Our solution
We have implemented a uniform and transparent management model across all company locations. To improve operational efficiency, we have installed compaction equipment, including balers and roll-off compactors, at sites with the largest waste volumes. We provide dedicated quotes for new types of waste and for the management of products no longer marketable. We also manage environmental documentation, prepare the required declarations, and issue certificates of proper waste treatment and products destined for destruction, while also providing ongoing consulting services.
The result
The client entrusted Interzero with waste management coordination for all its sites, with over 1,800 collections per year. It gained a single point of contact for over 40 waste streams and a consistent service standard across the network. Thanks to tenders organized by Interzero and supplier invoice monitoring, management costs were significantly reduced. The company also has a secure and compliant procedure for the destruction and recovery of non-marketable products, reducing operational and regulatory risk.
The advantages of collaborating with Interzero
- Reduction of management costs
Cost optimization while maintaining high service standards.
- A single point of contact for waste and non-marketable products
Greater operational efficiency, simplified communication, and better coordination across the entire network.
- Control of supplier invoices
Professional verification of cost items and amounts invoiced by industry operators.
- Standardized processes
Uniform and replicable procedures that facilitate control and reporting across different locations.
- Safe product management
Treatment of defective or unsellable products in compliance with applicable regulations and through authorized facilities.
- Transparent costs
Clear and easily monitorable service model.
Other Interzero environmental services for logistics and distribution
Management of packaging waste and other waste fractions
Coordination of all waste streams, including supplier tenders and cost optimization strategies
Environmental audits at factories
Optimization of waste management processes
Fiscal destruction of non-marketable products
PPWR Regulation Consulting
Selection, supply and maintenance of balers and compaction systems
Ongoing environmental consultancy
FAQ
Efficient packaging waste management depends on several factors: proper waste sorting, optimized storage areas, use of compaction equipment, and effective collection organization. A waste flow analysis helps identify the most suitable solutions to reduce costs and improve environmental performance.
The most common flows include cardboard, plastic film, pallets, wooden packaging, mixed waste, electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), batteries, and products no longer marketable. The type and quantities vary depending on the business and the goods handled.
Damaged, obsolete, recalled, or unfit for sale products must be sent for appropriate treatment in compliance with current regulations. Depending on the product’s characteristics, recovery, recycling, energy recovery, or fiscal destruction at authorized facilities may be used.
Installing balers and compaction systems is particularly advantageous at sites that generate large volumes of packaging waste, such as cardboard and plastic. Reducing volumes allows for optimized storage space and fewer collections, resulting in lower logistics costs.
Yes. A centralized management model allows you to coordinate all waste flows and related activities through a single point of contact. This approach streamlines operational processes, standardizes procedures across different locations, and improves cost and performance control.
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new requirements regarding waste prevention, packaging recyclability, recycled content, and, for some sectors, reuse targets. Logistics and distribution companies must gradually adapt their processes to comply with the new provisions.
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