How To Better Manage Business Waste
By now, you’re probably well aware of the fact that sustainability should be a priority within your business. After all, we’ve all got a part to play when it comes to protecting the planet, and businesses have a greater impact than our individual actions. Furthermore, 72% of consumers consider sustainability in purchasing decisions, meaning that your eco policies contribute significantly to your sales and overall success.
One way in which you can ensure your business is as eco-friendly as possible is by ensuring you manage (and reduce) your waste. Here are some top tips that you can use to do exactly that!
Rethink your packaging. A recent report found that “the world produces 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging a year”, an issue that must be resolved sooner, rather than later. This means that you need to seek out eco-friendly packaging solutions for your business. Remember, you can still include your label and branding on eco-friendly materials, so you don’t necessarily need to miss out on bettering your brand image when becoming more sustainable. In fact, customers are more likely to be impressed by brands with this packaging.
Have a waste storage point on-site. Whether you run a cafe or a clothing store, having a dedicated waste storage point on site will make it easier to manage and separate the waste you produce on site. For example, you can set up a recycling point so that recyclables don’t get mixed up with the rest of your waste. In most cases, your best bet is a series of roll-off dumpsters. If you’re asking yourself, What is a roll off dumpster – the answer is simple. It’s simply a dumpster on wheels that can be moved from one place to the other, making collection and disposal even easier.
Remind employees to recycle. While recycling rates are increasing year on year, a recent study has found that “only 5% of plastic waste generated by the US last year was recycled.” One way in which you can combat this within your business is by making sure employees don’t forget to recycle. For example, it’s easy to throw away waste in a general waste bin without thinking about whether or not it can be recycled. You can reduce these errors by hosting regular talks on recycling and sustainability, alongside hanging posters throughout your facility.
Find ways to reduce waste. We can also take steps to better manage business waste by finding ways to reduce it in the first place. Thankfully, there are many steps you can use to reduce business waste. For example, you should start by identifying which areas of your business are producing the most waste, so that you’re more aware of mistakes you are making. This could help you to address faults in your production line or manufacturing processes, that not only harm the environment but your efficiency and profits too! You should also ensure that the materials you use are eco-friendly, perhaps by opting for those that can be recycled after use or are already made from recycled materials.
