Did you know that, on average, one USA citizen produces approximately 5.91 pounds of trash daily? Out of 5.91, only 1.51 pounds can be recycled. The rest of it pollutes the environment every day! This thought-provoking data was released by the EPA (environmental protection agency).
If you own a small or medium-sized business, the responsibility of waste created by your employees, vendors, and customers lies with you also. When the world is concerned about climate change, effective waste management can contribute to saving the environment.
Sustainable methods of waste management are crucial and will save you some money.
Here are the 7 most useful tips to reduce the waste generated by your business –
1. Conduct Regular Waste Audits
You should regularly check all of your waste streams. Some companies provide trained and qualified waste auditors who can help audit your business’ waste. They go through your company’s trash bags, sort your garbage and do an analysis of your waste. Accordingly, they can guide you on what you can throw away and what can be recycled. They can also advise you on how to recycle more.
2. Evaluate Your Packaging
Your packaging material and technique can make a lot of difference. Evaluate the packaging material. Is it sustainable? Is it reusable? Make sure you are using the quantity which is enough for the packaging. Avoid the use of surplus packaging material.
This practice of control over the packaging will save you on cost and waste both. Your company should practice more reuse if you accept the material’s return. The same packaging can be re-utilized to deliver further orders.
Similarly, make sure that the packages you receive, also taken care of. See what can be recycled or even think of reusing the packaging material that comes in your delivered packages.
3. Lookout for Recycling Facilities
Recycling equipment services are available for industrial waste. You can search for such services in your vicinity and budget. Maintain a separate bin for recyclable waste. You should inform employees, vendors, suppliers, and customers about this bin, so they can dispose of the recyclable waste in the right bin.
Plastic, cardboard, glass, paper, metal, etc., can all be recycled. The recycling equipment service provider will give you a list of such materials. Share the list with your employees.
4. Rent Waste Equipment
You can use the services of waste equipment rental periodically to clear your waste and garbage. It is a cheaper option than buying and maintaining commercial garbage disposal equipment. Keep in mind that equipment you rent or lease will be of the latest technology and in good condition. In contrast, your purchased garbage disposal equipment will get outdated and depreciate with time.
An added bonus is that there are tax rebate facilities available on rented equipment. Consult your C.A. regarding these rebates.
5. Create Treasure Out of Trash
Your trash can be someone’s treasure if you donate them appropriately. Various items go outdated or out of work in your office or facility. Think what can be utilized by other businesses or organizations. Think of what you can donate. Make sure these items are still in working condition.
Search for a charitable organization in your area to donate these items. These organizations can distribute your old chairs, storage racks, coat hanger, file cabinets, etc. You will help the society and reduce the clutter and waste at the same time.
6. Replace Plastic & Single-use Items
Single-use plastic glasses and plates create heaps of non-biodegradable waste to harm the environment. You can buy affordable office cutlery from a nearby local store. Ask your employees to wash the dishes after they use them. Request them to use their water bottle instead of plastic glasses. This way, you will save on the monthly cost of plastic glasses and plates as well.
7. Increase Awareness Amongst Employees
When you inform people about the reason for a task, they perform it better. Merely passing on the instructions of waste management will not inspire your team. If you educate them on how they can contribute to sustainability and cost-saving, they will get more motivated to follow good practices.
In Conclusion
By following all the tips mentioned above, you can become a low or no-waste generating business. These are the basic tips. You can customize and improvise them according to the operations and requirements of your business.
