Waste Reduction & Recycling Program

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Affordability

Developing a waste reduction and recycling program will vary in complexity depending on the size of your company and the type of business.

Cost savings

Establishing a waste reduction and recycling program will help you save money by avoiding additional purchases and reducing waste removal costs. You may even generate revenue from diverting recyclables from the trash.

Environmental considerations

Waste reduction helps conserve valuable natural resources, reduces pollution and saves energy. Less waste is created when materials are reused and recycled, extending the life of existing landfills and reducing the need for new solid waste facilities.

What you need to know

A comprehensive and successful waste reduction and recycling program is based on the principle of Zero Waste, using the 3R hierarchy as the guiding principle: first reduce then reuse and only then recycle. As you begin to design your program, here are some questions to keep in mind:

Reduce waste

• How can we use less?
• Are there alternative products that are more repairable or durable?
• Which products have longer shelf life?
• How can we save money on disposal and hauling costs?

Reuse

• How can materials and resources be used more efficiently?
• What items can be reused?

 Recycling

• What can be recycled?
• Are these recyclables worth anything?
• Are the recycling bins accessible to employees?
• What recycling services (drop off and pick up) are available?
• How can I educate all employees about the recycling program?
• What is the best way to get employees to participate in the recycling program?
• Are there any opportunities for recycling or exchanging materials (Link)  with other business or organizations?

Purchasing

• Can we reduce the amount of materials and supplies we purchase?
• Can we purchase recycled materials?
• Will purchasing in bulk or concentrate reduce waste and cost?

Because policies and purchasing methods may change, the green committee needs to involve management in developing the plan at every stage.

Taking it further

Your waste reduction and recycling program should include a plan for ongoing and increased participation as well as a system for monitoring and tracking the amount of waste reduced as well as costs saved. This data can then be used to continuously improve your waste reduction and recycling practices for even greater savings and efficiency.

FAQ

We do not have the time or the staff to do all this research.  Is there a simpler way to build a waste reduction plan?
Sustainability gets easier as you progress. Once you determine the obvious places where your company can reduce the most amount of waste for the least effort and once you’ve located the most helpful resources for recycling waste, the changes will take up less time and start to reveal benefits. Running a more environmentally conscious business leads to greater employee morale, productivity and retention. It can also be an advantage in attracting and recruiting talent.