Frequently Asked Questions

If time and resources were infinite, you wouldn’t. But by working with us you leverage your time by letting us manage the activities that would otherwise be consumed with learning markets, identifying vendors determining what equipment is required. Instead, you free yourself up to manage the things that are more core to your responsibilities.

Or How much do you charge?

To make things simpler, Cumberland’s fees are built into the costs we quote you for services. Very often, we reduce the expenses that clients are currently paying or even eliminate certain costs altogether.

We take the long view. If a vendor is providing a good service at a fair price, then fine. We look for opportunities in areas that are not being managed, like byproducts that may be going to landfills or that might be a more valuable market.

That’s understandable. We’re not a vendor. We’re a management company, a third party that can manage your vendors for you. We hold them accountable and provide you with management tools you need to ensure that your goals are being met.

Cardboard, including boxes for re-use and baled cardboard. Wood pallets are highly recoverable. Most plastics can be recovered too. Pallets too, both plastic and wood are highly recyclable.

We generate packaging and production waste that is recyclable but I’m told that recyclers only want truckload quantities of certain materials.

Many recycling operations will accept loads of mixed products in truckload quantities. These are knowns as “combo loads” and are quite common. You may have to shop around for the right partner but most quality recyclers are willing to accept combo loads.

It depends. Large national vendors like Waste Management or Republic Services (among others) have some capabilities to manage more common packaging waste like cardboard. Smaller, local, waste disposal vendors may not offer these services. The best thing to do is call and speak to your vendor’s account manager. If they don’t ask them for a referral. Some vendors don’t find it to be in their interest to bring in another vendor that they might perceive as competition.

You have a few alternatives. Your search engine of choice is not a bad place to begin. Unfortunately, you’ll encounter many ads. Another alternative is professional associations to which you may belong may be a good option. Often your corporate procurement or shared services (if you’re part of a larger corporation) may have relationships and preferred negotiated rates with buyers of your byproduct that can help you get started.

Separation is desirable but, depending on your company’s goals, not always necessary. What are your recycling objectives? It’s possible to reduce waste going to landfill volumes without separation. It also depends on the product.

First, know who you’re doing business with. Check references and visit their facility before you begin. Conduct regular (annual) audits to ensure they are doing what they say they’re doing. Get everything in writing and hold them accountable. Downstream visibility is important. There are companies that provide consulting services to assist with verification.

Unfortunately, most recyclables are commodities that are subject to external market forces. When the raw materials that go into new product increases, recyclables are typically worth more. Conversely, if raw materials or demand for new products falls, then recycling will often follow suit.