How can you make your organization's waste management practices more sustainable?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to improve your waste management practices is to assess your current situation. You need to know how much waste you produce, what types of waste you have, how you dispose of them, and how much they cost you. You can use tools such as waste audits, waste characterization studies, or waste tracking systems to collect and analyze this data. By doing so, you will be able to identify the sources, quantities, and impacts of your waste, and find opportunities for improvement.

2 Reduce your waste generation

The second step to improve your waste management practices is to reduce your waste generation. This means preventing or minimizing the amount of waste you create in the first place, by changing your processes, products, or behaviors. You can use strategies such as purchasing less or more durable materials, redesigning your packaging or products, implementing lean or green practices, or educating your staff and customers. By doing so, you will be able to save money, materials, and energy, and reduce your environmental footprint.

3 Reuse your waste materials

The third step to improve your waste management practices is to reuse your waste materials. This means using your waste again for the same or a different purpose, without changing its form or quality. You can use strategies such as repairing or refurbishing your equipment or furniture, donating or selling your surplus or unwanted items, or exchanging or sharing your resources with others. By doing so, you will be able to extend the lifespan of your materials, reduce your demand for new resources, and create value from your waste.

4 Recycle your waste products

The fourth step to improve your waste management practices is to recycle your waste products. This means transforming your waste into new materials or products, by changing its form or quality. You can use strategies such as separating your waste into different categories, collecting and transporting your recyclables to a facility, or processing and manufacturing your recyclables into new products. By doing so, you will be able to recover the value of your waste, reduce your dependence on virgin materials, and conserve natural resources.

5 Recover energy from your waste

The fifth step to improve your waste management practices is to recover energy from your waste. This means converting your waste into useful forms of energy, such as heat, electricity, or fuel, by using biological, chemical, or thermal processes. You can use strategies such as composting or anaerobic digestion for organic waste, gasification or pyrolysis for non-recyclable waste, or incineration or landfill gas capture for mixed waste. By doing so, you will be able to generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and divert waste from landfills.

6 Dispose of your waste responsibly

The sixth and final step to improve your waste management practices is to dispose of your waste responsibly. This means sending your waste to a safe and appropriate destination, such as a landfill, a hazardous waste facility, or a wastewater treatment plant, by following the regulations and standards of your area. You can use strategies such as choosing a licensed and reputable waste contractor, monitoring and reporting your waste performance, or paying fees or taxes for your waste disposal. By doing so, you will be able to protect the environment, public health, and your reputation from the risks of improper waste disposal.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?