5 quick steps to better waste management
1. Measure your waste
It is easier to manage and track your improvement on something that is measured. Start by recording the types and quantities of waste materials generated within your business.
This could just be a quick visual assessment and estimation of amount and types of waste per week. As you change how you manage your waste, you can compare and see what difference your changes make to the amount of waste disposed to landfill.
2. Reduce
To reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, consider:
- can waste be avoided or reduced by the way you procure goods and services or by changing your business operations?
- does another local business have a use for the waste materials produced by your business?
- what materials can be targeted for recycling?
3. Recycle
Find out what options are available locally for business recycling.
4. Collection services
It is a good idea to find out how levy fees will be managed by your waste service provider, and find out more about your waste collection services—how it impacts your ability to recycle and what options are available to you.
5. Separating waste
It’s important to ensure that waste is correctly separated for recycling. Putting the wrong waste in contaminates the recycling.
Other resources
- ecoBiz - free, tailored advice on how your business can be more sustainable.
- Planet Ark Business Recycling also provides useful tips for reducing waste:
- Local councils may also provide information on how businesses can reduce their waste.