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Your Guide to Waste Management
No matter the type of facility, whether it is a warehouse, workshop, office, or anything else, every business generates waste. To manage this waste (and depending on the volume), a system of wheelie bins, litter bins, sack holders, and trucks and trolleys are needed to safely dispose of it.
While businesses have for many years had a ‘Duty of Care’ responsibility as regards any waste produced under Section 34 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990, recent legislation passed in Scotland, England and Wales has made this much wider reaching and increased the responsibilities required. Regulations now require businesses to implement measures that mean much more of the waste they generate is recycled and as little as possible is sent to landfill. The main drive is to encourage businesses to segregate their waste – this can be done through the use of different bins for each type of waste, or the use of dedicated all in one recycling centres with a different compartment for each type of waste.
Over the last few years tax legislation has also been implemented in the UK to discourage businesses from sending waste to landfill by raising the cost of doing so. Businesses now face heavy charges for sending waste to landfill, so a dedicated recycling and waste management policy can help to reduce costs.
With climate change a constantly burning issue worldwide, businesses are under pressure from the public and each other to be more environmentally responsible. A comprehensive waste management/recycling policy can help your business to stay ahead of the curve and encourage growth by attracting clients that desire a responsible and greener provider of services.
Tips on Achieving a Greener Workplace
Making your workplace greener will not only help you to satisfy your ‘duty of care’ requirements regarding waste management, but can also benefit your business economically by reducing waste (thereby cutting costs, streamlining your business flow and increasing efficiency and profit) and benefitting your corporate reputation.
- Implement a company-wide policy for waste management (with a focus on recycling and re-use) – consult with staff and make someone/ several persons responsible for its enforcement.
- Position recycling centres or recycling bins ergonomically within the workplace to encourage their use.
- Colour-code your waste management system to make it easy to adhere to and simple to understand.
- Think about getting rid of refuse bins at or nearby desks.
- Reduce needless printing and the amount of paper used for necessary printing (print on both sides etc.).
- Re-use where possible – the best recycling is done at source.
- Buy recycled products where possible to encourage market stimulus.
- Compress your waste to reduce the amount of space it takes up.
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