Steps to Waste Reduction

If you are serious about reducing waste in your place of business the information contained below should be a big help.

Step 1: Conduct a Waste Audit

Analyze your actual waste stream:

• what is in the bin?
• where was it created?
• how do you handle it now?
• what is the disposal cost?

Determine the true cost of your waste:

• the cost of the waste material when it was raw material or supplies?
• the cost to handle through the plant or office?
• the cost to dispose of waste - bin rental, haulage, landfill tip fees
• does your purchasing policy include recycled content for raw materials and supplies?
• do materials & supplies come with minimal packaging (returnable totes and skids)?
• what adjustment potential is there for production lines, handling and administration, which might reduce waste. (e.g. trim / cut offs, minimize tear offs, minimize material damage in storage / handling, etc.)?

Step 2: Create a Plan

a) Prioritize

• source what options or services are available for disposal and diversion of waste from landfill
• tackle the biggest waste reducers first
• tackle the big dollar savers first
• obtain input / ideas from all staff

b) Establish who is responsible for each part of the plan

c) Establish a tracking mechanism to record progress

• establish a base line to which you can compare progress
• establish a reporting procedure

Step 3: Implement your Plan

Staff at all levels must be on side. This can be achieved through education. Identify to staff what the goals are, how to do it , where it's going, the benefits to the environment and the company and what's in it for the staff. These are the keys to a successful program.

Step 4: Provide Feedback

Let the staff know about their successes, how they are doing and how far they have to go to achieve their goal.

Remember, success is based on staff participation. Once you've taken the steps to waste reduction everyone must remain vigilant to avoid falling back into old routines.