How to Dispose of Old Machinery

How to Dispose of a Heavy Machine?

Heavy machinery is vital to today’s manufacturing, but when it’s time to dispose of it, business owners may face a challenge. While it’s easy to recycle paper or ensure the proper disposal of glass, machine disposal is not as straightforward. You can’t just drag it to the curb, and it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact as much as possible. But where does that leave you in terms of heavy machine disposal options?

Common Reasons for Heavy Machine Disposal

The reason you’re disposing of the machine will factor into how to handle the disposal. It could be that the machinery is no longer functional, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, there’s a need to free up some space by jettisoning some of the equipment, even if that equipment still works. In other cases, the goal is to upgrade to new, more technologically advanced machinery, but the less-advanced equipment could still benefit someone else.

Things to consider Before Disposal of a Heavy Machine
Whatever the reason for disposing of heavy machinery, there are various factors that need to be considered.

Can the machinery be reused or repurposed?
If the equipment you need to dispose of is still in working condition, someone may have a use for it, so donating or selling it may solve your problem. Consider an auction or a specialized machinery reseller. Even if the machine only has some working parts, those parts can sometimes be removed and repurposed.

Does the manufacturer or retailer offer any recycling or take-back programs?
It could be that the manufacturer or retailer of your machinery has a recycling initiative or a program that allows you to return or trade the machine when it’s no longer useful to you. Contact these companies or check out their websites to determine whether this is the case.

Can the machine be recycled?
Even if the manufacturer doesn’t have a recycling initiative, there may be a facility in your area that can handle this. Check with local recycling centers, electronic waste recycling facilities, and even scrap metal yards, to try and find a way to keep your old machinery out of the landfill.

Will your waste management company take the machinery?
If you can’t re-use, repurpose, or recycle your heavy machinery, look for a waste management company that is qualified to dismantle and dispose of your machinery. If you can’t find that, work with a machinery moving company to properly dismantle and dispose of it, in accordance with local regulations.

What are the legal regulations on heavy machine disposal?
Do your research, and make sure that before you make a move, you understand the legal requirements and environmental regulations that apply to your type of machinery.

The Machinery Disposal Process

Heavy machinery disposal begins with removal, whether you’re moving it to an auction site, a recycling facility, or back to the manufacturer. The removal process will be tailored to your unique project, but will essentially follow these steps:

• Assessment: The site and equipment will be assessed, so that a plan can be formulated.
• Engineering: A plan will be tailored to the project, taking into consideration rigging points, floor loads, and egress paths.
• Preparation: The machinery will be disassembled, disconnected, and prepared for transport.
• Rigging and Lifting: Using appropriately rated equipment, the machinery will be rigged and lifted onto transport vehicles.
• Transportation: The machinery will be transported to its destination, under careful supervision and with proper permitting.
• Unloading: The same expert team that disassembled and loaded the machinery will be on hand to unload it in an efficacious manner.

Importance of Professional Rigging in Old Heavy Machine Disposal

The most important thing to do when disposing of your old heavy machinery is to ensure that the process is managed properly. The best way to do this is to engage the services of a professional machinery moving company, so that the expert team can craft a custom plan that uses precision rigging to transport the machinery to its final destination. Additionally, professional heavy machinery movers know the proper disposal methods for heavy machinery, and understand how to deal with any hazardous materials in accordance with legal regulations and environmental concerns.

Trust LA Machinery Moving to Help You with Your Heavy Machine Disposal

If you need help disposing of heavy machines, partner with LA Machinery Moving. We’re an established leader, with 40 years of experience in the industry, and our team of experienced professionals offers a wide array of services, from packing and crating to heavy machinery moving to industrial machinery and rigging, and more. Because we know that every machinery moving project requires a customized solution, we work closely with our clients, providing tailored solutions, exceptional customer service and focused attention to detail. Using the latest technology and equipment, adhering to current safety regulations, and offering competitive pricing, we deliver projects on time and within budget, using safe and efficient solutions that minimize disruption to your operation. To learn more about how we can help with your next machinery moving project in Southern California, contact us through our website.

FAQs

What is the Best Way to Dispose of Heavy Machinery?
This depends on your unique situation. You have several options, including direct sales, working with an equipment broker, selling at auction, recycling or scrapping, or trading your equipment. In some cases, you can donate your equipment.

Are there Regulations on Heavy Machine Disposal?
Yes, heavy machine disposal has to adhere to environmental and safety regulations. For example, hazardous fluids and materials must be removed, and reusable and recyclable materials must be separated.

Why is Recycling a Good Option for Disposal of a Heavy Machine?
When heavy machinery is recycled, valuable metals can be recovered for reuse, and reusable components can contribute to a circular economy. Additionally, recycling equipment keeps it out of landfills, and reduces environmental contamination from hazardous materials.

When is Scrapping Machinery a Better Option?
Sometimes, equipment is non-functional, or in too poor of a condition for resale, or too specialized to sell. If your machinery costs more to maintain than to remove it, and not worth marketing, it’s better to scrap it.

Why Should I Work with Industrial Machine Movers to Dispose of Heavy Machinery?
Moving heavy machinery is a specialized process, involving heavy lifting and precise rigging. Professional machine movers know how to move machinery safely and efficiently, in compliance with federal and local safety regulations and environmental rules.