Organic Grocer Converts Cardboard to Revenue

SN STAFF

CLARKSVILLE, Md. — Roots Market, a two-store, natural-and-organic grocer here, today announced that it is reducing cardboard box waste and earning revenue for the recycled material with baling technology from Orwak, Shelton, Conn.

The baler, which takes up six square feet of floor space, is saving $2,000 in annual trash haulage costs, while generating $4,500 annually in recycling revenue. The baler runs on standard 110V power, and can produce bales of 80-100 pounds.

“By baling our cardboard boxes, we have reduced our Dumpster pickup from six days a week to one, which adds up to thousands in cost savings,” said Jack Moore, facilities and operations director for Roots Market, in a statement. “That, combined with the $4,500 we’re earning annually by selling the baled cardboard to a recycler, makes being ‘green’ not only affordable, but a revenue generator.”

While there are banding costs associated with the baler, Moore said the new process is still a net gain. “Our customers strive to live a healthier, greener lifestyle, and we are delighted to have found a way to show them that we are making an effort to recycle,” he added.