Most businesses generate massive volumes of waste including cardboard, paper, plastics, and other packaging materials. If this waste is not dealt with effectively, then it is often sent to landfills where it slowly decomposes and produces pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions.
Fortunately, most of the waste items that end up in landfills can be recycled effectively. Adopting sustainable waste management and creating more efficient waste policies will improve the green credentials of your company and could save you money in the long run. With this in mind, here are some tips to manage your commercial waste better:
Complete a waste audit
One of the best ways to improve your waste management is by completing a business waste audit. This will give you a clear overview of your waste stream and help you identify how much waste your company is producing and how it is being dealt with. You will also be able to identify problem areas and implement strategies to boost the efficiency of your waste management. It is possible to do a waste audit yourself, or you can hire professional waste auditing services to come into your workplace and carry out an assessment. If you plan on doing the audit yourself, then you can refer to online guides for advice on how to conduct a waste audit.
Improve your recycling policies
All organizations should aim to recycle as much waste material as possible. Effective recycling helps to reduce the amount of rubbish being sent to landfills and incinerators. This, in turn, helps to cut harmful emissions and minimize environmental harm. You can easily improve your recycling efforts by installing single-stream recycling.
This convenient solution allows employees to put all recyclable items into one central bin, which encourages staff to recycle in the workplace. You should place clear signs around your office reinforcing your recycling policies and reminding staff of the procedures they should follow. It is also important to arrange WEEE Waste Collection to ensure that your electrical waste is dealt with in a way that is sustainable and in line with government regulations.
Cut your business waste
Another effective way for companies to improve their waste management is by reducing the amount of waste they produce in the first place. Fortunately, there are endless ways to reduce your commercial waste. Here are a few ideas:
- Adopt paperless processes wherever possible and avoid printing emails and online documents. When it is necessary to print, remember to use both sides or print on the back of old printouts.
- Eliminate single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery in the office. Provide your staff with reusable water bottles and water refilling stations to reduce plastic bottles.
- Reuse old packaging to cut waste and save costs.
Train your employees
You must provide your staff with training on the best practices to follow when it comes to dealing with commercial waste. Encourage your team to embrace your sustainability goals by offering regular training sessions on the importance of responsible waste management. Aim to get your employees on board with your waste protocols as early as possible.