Brevini Gear Systems (BGS) has reduced its environmental impact through a waste disposal program that will help it achieve a ‘zero-landfill’ designation. The move, which took effect March 4, is part of the company’s overall sustainability efforts, encouraged by local employees and parent company The Brevini Group, a leading provider of large, high precision driveline products.

“We believe it’s our responsibility to be good corporate citizens,” said Mike Ohler, plant manager at the BGS Yorktown facility. “And part of being a good corporate citizen is doing our part to make certain our operations leave as small a footprint on the community as possible.”

Recognizing that some waste is not recyclable, the Zero Waste International Alliance defines “Zero Waste to Landfill” as 90 percent or greater diversion of waste from landfills.  BGS is working with Best Way Disposal in efforts to surpass that standard, calling for a 95 percent reduction in the waste stream, including not just paper and cardboard products, but metals, fiber, plastics and other recyclables, as well.

“Best Way Disposal is a family-owned business,” said Robert Tinsman, divisional manager of Best Way, “so we’ve always operated under an obligation to our customers and neighborhoods. We strongly believe part of that obligation is doing all we can to help preserve the resources of our world for future generations. We are glad to be working with Brevini on this project.”

BGS’s zero-landfill decision is just the latest in the manufacturer’s sustainability endeavors, said Ohler. “We are always seeking ways to increase our environmental sensitivity,” he said. “Over the past 18 months, we’ve moved to high-efficiency lighting and re-lamped the entire plant. We also recycle oil and coolant for the machinery and turnings.”

Ohler also pointed out that BGS is a company known for its innovative technology, and puts those abilities into the on-going effort to bring change to its internal processes, reducing waste production and increasing sustainability practices. “The fact that our employees are so supportive of our efforts is a significant benefit,” he said. “They are able to recognize waste reduction opportunities in their own job processes and bring them to management’s attention.