Businesses, large and small, all produce waste. And as key figures in upholding societal values, we all have a responsibility to do our bit for the planet. Effectively managing our waste is a key aspect of this, and there are a variety of ways you can better manage your waste as a business. Let’s look at five of them.
- Audit your current waste management process
Commercial waste management, like many other business processes, needs continuous evaluation and analysis to remain at its best. Carrying out regular audits on your current waste management process provides a great opportunity to identify any areas for improvement and implement new changes into your business.
- Create a waste management plan for your business
If you don’t already have a waste management plan in place, then this will be a game-changing tip for you. It’s also great if you have an informal waste management system in place that could do with formalising. A waste management plan clarifies a number of things, including:
- The types of waste your business produces
- The quantity of waste your business produces
- The ways in which you can categorise your waste
- How it is best to dispose of your waste
This helps your business to streamline waste management, as well as reduce your business’s impact on the environment through the opportunity to work out more sustainable waste management practices.
- Use a trusted waste management service
There is a whole industry dedicated to waste management, and these companies take the pain out of disposing of waste. It can be tempting to throw everything all in one bin so you only have to make one trip to your local waste disposal center, but this is often not the greenest option. From providing the correct bins and advice to collecting your waste for you, using a trusted waste management service is the most effective way of disposing of your company’s waste.
- Know your waste streams
Whether you’re a multinational company or small independent business, the chances are that you’re going to have multiple waste streams in your business. From receiving deliveries, to waste generated through your services or products, it’s important to be aware of the different waste streams within your business operations. Once you know them, you can build your waste management plan around them so that you are collecting and disposing of your waste in sustainable ways.
- Categorise your waste
Lastly, your life is made much easier in the long run if you categorise your waste. Even simple practices like installing different bins for your customers or staff to use can hugely help you when it comes to waste disposal as they can be easily sent to the correct destination. Here are some of the different waste categories:
- Agricultural waste
- Industrial waste
- Non recyclable waste
- Recyclable waste
- Food waste
- Hazardous waste
- Green waste
A business that manages its waste effectively is not just an eco-friendly business, but a more profitable business too. Your customers want to buy from companies that reflect their values and help them help the planet too, so there’s more than one reason to manage your waste well.