Reliability at every level
Project Profile
Client: Canon
Industry: Imaging and Printing Solutions
Location/Region: Austria
Duration: Collaboration for over 7 years
Services: Development of a waste management plan, customized waste disposal consulting, safe collection and return of hazardous waste, GDPR-compliant document and data carrier destruction
The Challenge: Everything from a Single Source
Canon was looking for a flexible solution to meet the diverse and complex needs of its customers. The range of materials to be disposed of extends from the recycling of end-of-life electronic equipment and toner cartridges to cleaning chemicals, hard drives, and documents. Particularly when it comes to sensitive materials such as data storage media, the highest standards are required in terms of data protection, traceability, legal compliance, and professional handling. The goal was to establish a GDPR-compliant and adaptable disposal and recycling structure that enables a high degree of planning and implementation reliability, providing customized solutions for customers anywhere in Austria.
The Solution: A reliable solution for all of Austria
Saubermacher developed a return and logistics concept tailored to the needs of Canon partners, featuring standardized processes and customized solutions. The extensive national network of partners and logistics providers ensures smooth processes and prevents bottlenecks—even for last-minute pickups. Project planning, site analyses, and individual consulting are conducted directly on-site—including detailed route and schedule planning. A rapid and reliable response is also guaranteed for special disposal needs or unforeseen requirements.
When handling recyclable materials and special waste, Saubermacher relies on certified and traceable processes: Collection takes place in labeled, ADR-certified containers. The material is then transported for safe sorting, treatment, and processing—including at the Saubermacher Competence Center for Hazardous Waste in Premstätten.
Properly disposing of hazardous waste
The smooth processing of recyclable materials and the disposal of hazardous waste require planning and expertise. As part of the preparation, safety data sheets, photos, and relevant information are exchanged. The materials are then properly packaged to ensure they are collected safely and in compliance with the law. Documents and data storage media are placed in sealed, specialized containers to prevent unauthorized access. The documents are classified according to their level of confidentiality, assigned to specific destruction levels, thoroughly documented, personally escorted, and destroyed in an audit-proof manner.
The result: structured waste disposal
The partnership between Canon Austria and Saubermacher represents a well-thought-out, practical implementation of modern circular economy principles. Safety, predictability, and legal compliance are integral components of the customized overall concept. Each of the more than 24 Canon customer sites receives individualized support—based on clearly defined processes and in compliance with all relevant requirements regarding data protection, hazardous materials regulations, chemical legislation, and occupational safety. Recyclable materials are systematically identified and returned to the recycling cycle. The result is a secure solution that balances economic and environmental requirements—cost-effective, scalable, and operationally robust. Today, approximately 150 metric tons of end-of-life electronic equipment are collected and high-quality recycled annually as part of the partnership.
Years of successful collaboration
Individual support for each location
Metric tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment recycled to a high standard each year
Summary
Complex waste disposal requirements, sensitive types of waste, and strict legal regulations made a flexible, legally compliant solution necessary.
A needs-based, Austria-wide repatriation and logistics plan featuring standardized procedures and customized adjustments.
Personalized support for more than 24 client locations, balancing economic and environmental requirements.
Trust that pays off
Sustainability Officer, Canon Austria GmbH
Trust that pays off
»For us, sustainability means taking responsibility throughout the entire life cycle—with forward-looking circular economy solutions that combine environmental impact with operational efficiency. In Saubermacher, we have found a partner that offers us and our customers such solutions.«
Gernot Weinberger, Innovation to Market Specialist
“We support the efficient processing of recyclable materials and the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Through careful planning and years of expertise, we operate in accordance with high standards of safety, quality, and data protection.”
