Effective waste management is a critical aspect of running a successful business, and incorporating key waste management tips is essential for maintaining environmental sustainability. Businesses that prioritise eco-friendly practices not only contribute to a healthier planet but also position themselves as responsible waste management businesses.
It’s not just about being environmentally responsible; it’s also about improving efficiency, saving money, and enhancing your business’s reputation. Consider initiating a waste audit to comprehensively assess your current practices and pinpoint areas for improvement, a crucial step for waste management businesses looking to make a positive impact on both the environment and their bottom line.
Remember, cutting waste is the first step to increasing your resources.
Waste Management Businesses Audit
Before you can improve your waste management, you need to understand your current practices. This is where a waste audit comes in.
A waste audit involves a thorough examination of your business’s waste generation and management practices. It can help you identify what types of waste you produce, how much, and how you’re currently dealing with it.
An independent waste audit can reveal areas where you’re overspending on waste management and identify opportunities for savings. Depending on your current practices, a waste audit could potentially reduce your overall waste spending by 35 to 40 per cent.
Waste Management Businesses: Steps to Develop a Better Plan
Creating a strategic waste management plan is a step-by-step process that involves understanding your waste, finding ways to reduce it, and setting up systems to manage it effectively. Here are the key steps to develop a better waste management plan for your business:
1. Measure Business Waste
To effectively manage waste, you first need to understand the volume and types of waste your business generates. Start with a waste assessment.
Check all bins in your business before collection, noting their sizes, how full they are, and the frequency of collection. This gives you a clear picture of your waste production.
Next, identify the types of waste your business produces. Are there recyclable or hazardous materials?
Understanding your waste composition can help you find opportunities for waste reduction and recycling. And then, pinpoint the sources of your waste.
Is it from specific processes or departments? Identifying these sources can help you target your waste reduction efforts effectively.
Remember, accurate measurement is the first step toward efficient waste management.
2. Reduce Waste Going to Landfill
Once you understand your waste production, the next step is to find ways to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This involves focusing on the three R’s, including:
- Reduce
Look at your business operations and identify areas where waste can be minimised. Can you change your processes or the way you obtain goods and services to generate less waste? - Reuse
Consider if the waste materials you produce can be reused in some way. This not only reduces waste but also can lead to cost savings. - Recycle
Identify what materials in your waste stream can be recycled. Implementing a robust recycling program can significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
You can significantly decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable business.
3. Identify Local Collectors of Recyclable Materials
After identifying what materials in your waste stream can be recycled, the next step is to find local collectors of these recyclable materials. Knowing the volume and types of recyclable materials your business produces will help you identify the most suitable waste and recycling collection contractors.
There are many services available, including private and local government recycling services, as well as skip bin hire companies. Skip bin hire is a convenient option for businesses with large volumes of waste or those undertaking projects that generate a lot of waste in a short period.
They come in various sizes and can accommodate a wide range of materials, making them a flexible solution for your waste management needs. Consider factors such as:
- Collection frequency
- Cost
- Types of materials they accept when choosing a recycling service
The goal is to find a service that fits your needs and helps you divert as much waste as possible from landfill. Remember, recycling not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills but also helps conserve resources and can even save your business money.
4. Understand Waste and Recycling Collection Contracts
Once you’ve identified your waste and recycling collectors, it’s important to understand the terms of your collection contracts. These contracts outline the services provided, the costs involved, and your responsibilities as a client.
Your first contact should be your current waste service provider, who may be a private operator, a local council, or a commercial skip hire company. They can explain the terms of your contract and answer any questions you may have.
Consider factors such as:
- Frequency of collection
- Types of waste accepted
- Additional fees when reviewing your contract
Also, understand what happens if you exceed your waste limit or if you need to dispose of special types of waste. Understanding your waste and recycling collection contracts can help you manage your waste more effectively and avoid unexpected costs.
It’s always a good idea to seek independent legal advice if you’re unsure about any aspects of your contract. You can peek at our Terms and Conditions to learn how a waste collection service should conduct its business.
5. Implement Collection Systems at Business Premises
After understanding your waste production and securing appropriate collection services, the next step is to implement effective material collection systems at your business premises. Different businesses generate different types of recoverable materials.
How you separate materials in your business will be determined by how waste is collected. For example, if you have separate paper or cardboard collection services, then paper and cardboard will need to be separated from other recyclable materials.
Implementing a system for separating waste at the point of generation is crucial. This could involve setting up designated bins for different types of waste, such as:
- General waste
- Recyclables
- Organic waste
Clear communication and signage are essential to ensure waste is being sorted correctly. Make sure all staff members are aware of the system and understand the importance of proper waste separation.
Waste Management Businesses Reduction
There are several strategies you can employ to reduce waste, including:
- Composting
If your business produces organic waste, consider implementing composting to manage and recycle it effectively. - Recycling
Embrace recycling as an obvious choice to properly handle recyclable materials and reduce waste. - Minimise Packaging
Pay attention to the packaging used for your main products, supplies, and shipments. Excessive packaging should be avoided to cut down on waste production. - Go Paperless
Consider transitioning your business to a paperless model to significantly reduce paper waste and its environmental impact.
Waste Management Businesses: Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste is material that has the potential to harm humans or the environment. It’s crucial to manage this type of waste correctly.
Common examples of hazardous waste include:
- Asbestos
- Radioactive waste
- Medical waste
- Electronic waste
- Tyres
- Chemicals
Make sure to check the waste management rules in your state or territory for your obligations.
Reducing Waste-Related Costs
Even with waste reduction practices in place, your business will still produce waste and pay for it. However, there are ways to reduce these costs:
- Understand and Reduce Extra Fees
Make sure you understand all the fees in your waste management bill. Are there ways to reduce or eliminate these extra fees? - Optimise Waste Removal Equipment
You may have more waste removal equipment than you need. If you’re not utilising these, the extra costs are wasteful. - Negotiate Price Increases
Waste management companies tend to increase their prices over time. Are these price increases justified?
Can you negotiate a new deal?
Remember, every dollar saved on waste management is a dollar that can be invested back into your business.
Moving Towards Greener Business Practices
Effective waste management for businesses is about more than just disposing of waste. It’s about understanding your waste production, finding ways to reduce it, and managing it in a way that’s efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
By following the waste management tips for businesses outlined, you can develop a strategic waste management plan that not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills but also helps conserve resources and can even save your business money. Remember, cutting waste is the first step to increasing your resources.
Start with a waste audit to understand your current practices and identify areas for improvement. With the right strategies and practices, waste management for businesses can contribute significantly to your bottom line and your environmental sustainability.
