Managing Waste
Our waste programs seek to reduce non-hazardous and hazardous waste generation and increase recycling opportunities where available. IDEX is committed to complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations in the locations where we do business.
Our waste programs are managed locally at our businesses due to the diverse nature of our global manufacturing processes. Within our facilities, we practice waste diversion and run recycling programs for a variety of materials. Many of our businesses utilize cardboard compactors to streamline recycling, while others partner with third-party companies that repurpose wood pallets into woodchips and mulch, promoting circularity and sustainable reuse.
Similar to water consumption, IDEX continues to improve its data quality year-over-year, and in 2024, we estimated less data than in previous years. In 2024, hazardous waste from our operations totaled 959 metric tons as compared to 872 metric tons in 2023.
Going forward, we intend to continue our focus on compliance with waste regulations around both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, as well as reporting in accordance with emerging regulatory requirements.
Related Stories
Fast & Fluid Management (FFM) is on a mission to reduce non-decomposable polystyrene waste and minimize its impact on landfills by transitioning to eco-friendly packaging solutions. They significantly reduced the amount of polystyrene used to ship their products to customers by working closely with our primary supplier in China, achieving a 100% reduction in polystyrene use per shipment. This effort also led to a 50% reduction in the total volume of polystyrene entering the FFM facility, significantly decreasing landfill waste.
Looking ahead, FFM aims to eliminate polystyrene from all suppliers by 2025. To achieve this goal, the team is actively exploring alternative, sustainable packaging solutions for the machines packaged within its facility.
At Viking Pump, approximately 12,000 pounds of foundry waste from shot blasting processes are diverted from the onsite industrial landfill each month through an innovative reuse program. The process begins with recovering usable steel shot from the waste, which accounts for about 30% of the total material. Recycling this steel shot can reduce emissions by 90% compared to using new steel shot.
The remaining waste, consisting of sand and metal dust, is then mixed with concrete to create bunker blocks, pavers, and landscaping bricks. This process promotes product circularity by repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing cycle.
