How to Reduce Business Waste

Here at Great Western Recycling, we are passionate about helping businesses of all sizes across the UK cost-effectively manage their waste. With over 35 years’ experience providing waste management and recycling services, our ultimate goal is to support businesses in their effort to become more environmentally friendly.

Here, we’ve put together a handy guide to business waste. We explain why it’s important for your business to reduce the volume of waste it produces as well as provided our top tips for how to put this into action.

Why is Reducing Waste in Business Important?

All businesses – regardless of the industry – should look to implement strategies to reduce the quantity of waste it produces. Not only does it help to preserve the environment, but it can also save businesses a considerable amount of money too.

Later in this blog we look more in detail into the benefits of reducing business waste.

Waste Reduction Methods & Strategies

Here are some of our top waste reduction methods and strategies you can consider implementing at your business.

Audit your Workplace

In order to reduce the volume of waste your business produces, first you need to conduct an audit of your facility and identify the main sources of your waste. Evaluate where most of the waste is generated, asking staff for their opinions and looking at things like how quickly your bins fill up.

Only Make Essential Purchases

Once you’ve established your waste sources, you can start to think about how to do things differently. One simple method that can be adopted is to avoid making any unnecessary purchases. Unnecessary purchases create unnecessary waste, so try to take a more cautious approach to what you buy.

Purchase Products that can be Reused

Where possible, buy products that can be reused. For example, reusable batteries can be used again and again without creating additional waste. Similarly, encouraging staff to use mugs and glasses instead of disposable paper cups and bottles can help contribute to a reduction in waste.

Purchase in Bulk

If you’re a business that buys large quantities of certain materials or products, buy it in bulk. This will reduce the amount of waste which is produced through packaging.

Recycle

If you don’t already, then your business needs to start recycling. It is one of the most effective ways of tackling waste and can be instrumental when it comes to decreasing the volume of waste your business creates. A whole host of materials, such as glass, plastic, metal, wood, cardboard and paper, can be recycled.

Partner with a Waste Management Specialist

By partnering with a waste management specialist – like Great Western Recycling – you can optimise your overall strategy to reducing waste. With all the necessary knowledge, experience, skills, resources and expertise, waste management companies can provide invaluable insight and tailored recommendations for reducing the volume of waste produced by your business.

Benefits of Reducing Waste in Business

So, what are the benefits of reducing waste in a business environment?

Protect the Environment

By producing less waste, you’re helping to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill. Landfill sites are notoriously known for emitting methane gas (as well as other toxic gases) which is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Save Your Business Money

Reducing waste can also have a positive impact on your everyday business expenses. By purchasing only what you need, you’ll inevitably spend less. In addition, you can save on things like paper by printing on both sides.

Comply with Legislation

All businesses in the UK have a responsibility to keep waste to a minimum and complete a waste transfer note for each load of waste that leaves its premises.

Establish a Good Environmental Reputation

By actively promoting sustainability and implementing green business practices, your business is likely to develop a good environmental reputation amongst prospective clients and customers. This in turn can influence and give you a competitive edge in the market.

By demonstrating that you take your environmental responsibilities seriously, you can also improve your reputation among potential employees and boost the morale of existing staff.

Save Space

Another benefit of reducing waste in business is that is frees up storage space at your premises. This can enhance the look and feel of your workplace and save costs on storage solutions.

Business Waste Management, Collection & Disposal with Great Western Recycling

At Great Western Recycling, we offer a comprehensive range of waste management and recycling services to companies of all sizes and in all industries. If you’re looking to reduce the volume of waste your business produces and streamline your waste management, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.

We offer bespoke, cost-effective packages to suit all types of requests and requirements, so no matter your needs, we can help.

Contact us today >

See more: Why is Waste Management Important for Business in the UK?

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