Use of the Solid Waste Management Strategies Adopted by Manufacturing Companies in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo

Better inventory and material handling could lead to reduction of raw material solid waste. Reducing waste under inventory control entails purchasing only the amount of raw materials needed for a production run or a set period of time, purchasing the material in the proper amount and the proper size container, approaching the suppliers to see if they can take back the excess materials, and developing review procedures for all materials purchased, to minimize the chances of storing them beyond their shelf-life period. Improving the efficiency of a production process can significantly reduce process waste generation. It can be achieved or enhanced through medication in operational and maintenance procedures, material change and equipment. There are various solid waste management strategies manufacturing companies have adopted to enhance sustainability. However, from this study’s findings, 69.44% of the employees of the manufacturing companies in Beni City generally agreed that reduction strategy had been adopted, 53% also generally agreed that re-use strategy had been adopted, and that recycling is being carried in their respective companies as a solid waste management strategy at 55.88%. In addition to these study findings, proper control over raw materials, intermediate products, final products, and the associated waste streams are an important waste reduction strategy.