Develop a Waste Management Program

Affordability

Developing a waste reduction and recycling program will vary in complexity depending on the size of your company and the type of business. Many businesses already have basic recycling in place. Improving and refining your program is easier than starting from scratch.

Cost savings

Establishing a waste reduction and recycling program will help you save money by reducing unnecessary 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.

Use the results of your waste assessment as a starting point for planning your program. How much of your waste was avoidable if different decisions had been made at the point of purchase? How much resulted from a lack of appropriate sorting stations, or from technology settings (such as printers that will not print double-sided) that could be changed, or upgraded over time?

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 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?

Your plan should include the following components:

1. Set targets and timelines. Make your goals realistic and measurable. Examples could be:
   • "Source paper products with the highest available post-consumer content and shift purchasing within six months;"
   • "Find alternatives to eliminate foam peanut packaging within one year;"
   • "Eliminate all office paper from garbage going to landfill by year end;"
   • "Cut waste haulage costs by 10% in this fiscal year."
2. Improve systems. Make sure employees can do what you ask – is there a recycling bin next to each garbage can? Empower purchasing staff to ask questions and change suppliers if necessary.
3. Communicate. Launch a program of clear information and signage so employees know what is expected of them. Waste management does not improve without employees being clear on what you are asking, and engaged to take part. Share your goals, progress, and achievements.
4. Track your progress. Repeat your waste assessment after an initial period and see what else can be learned. Revise your goals and communicate. Aim for continual improvement.

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. Consider the intangible benefits too - running a more environmentally conscious business helps stimulate employee morale, productivity and retention. It can also be an advantage in attracting and recruiting talent.

I've heard of the "Five R's". What are they?
At a municipal or regional level, good waste management includes Five R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, and Residuals. Recovery includes generating energy from waste where applicable. Residuals is the portion that can't be managed in any other way than by landfilling – it is the target that is to be reduced to "zero" in achieving "zero waste." Your company's involvement in the top three R's makes a big difference to hitting that goal.