How can you scale your waste reduction and recycling program for a growing organization?

At Unyte Waste we offer a novel approach to waste management by reimagining it as resource management, where waste is assessed for its resource value to be reused or recovered. This strategy is rooted in cradle-to-cradle circularity principles, focusing on designing systems where materials are continuously repurposed, thereby reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Our method involves understanding waste generation patterns and aligning waste strategies with circular economy principles, which not only minimises environmental impact but also yields economic and social benefits. Through innovative solutions, Unyte Waste supports sustainable development and responsible resource utilisation, reach out if you want to discuss solutions

Scaling a waste reduction and recycling program for a growing organization involves a strategic and systematic approach. Begin by understanding your current waste generation, composition, and disposal methods. Conduct a waste audit to measure the volume, types, and sources of waste your organization produces.

To scale a waste reduction and recycling program for a growing organization in Nigeria, adopt a multifaceted approach. Conduct a thorough assessment of current waste practices, set realistic goals aligned with local environmental regulations, educate and involve employees through targeted training, invest in appropriate infrastructure for waste segregation and recycling, establish partnerships with local waste management entities, leverage technology for efficient tracking, and regularly communicate progress. Tailor strategies to align with the cultural and regulatory context of Nigeria for effective and sustainable waste management growth.

Assess the org for "where we are at now" on "everything"/all aspects (end to end). What you buy & why? Look at the assessment process as "Cradle to Grave" with recycling as the best (reduce (volume/toxicity) reuse, recycle). Waste minimization for short & long term approaches. Where no recycling stream available? Can you change materials? Can you start your own recycling subsidiary? Make a "Co-op" for recycling? On "Landfill" as "disposal"? Look at it as "TSDF" (temporary storage disposal facility) with focus on temporary. Each can be a future superfund site. If goes Superfund, you can be a "PRP" (potentially responsible party) with your share based on your ability to pay, not what it was you put there.

Access, formulate a plan, and subsequently undergo training on identifying products eligible for recycling and understanding the reasons behind their recyclability.

Define specific targets, such as reducing landfill waste by a certain percentage or increasing recycling rates. Educate and engage employees in waste reduction initiatives. Implement training programs to raise awareness about proper waste segregation and recycling practices.

Education and Behavioural change will be a great help in implementing such strategies. Reducing generation and the channelisation through some sort of tracking at individual till its end life will help to implement strategies while changing it according to the progress of generation and recycling.

The main strategy to reduce the waste at various levels should be to segregate the waste at source of generation and collection points. Practicing this strategy can help to reduce load at engineered landfills and helps to safeguard environment at various levels by reducing the absorption of lecheate that is generated in the old landfills which has been constructed without the liners.

Hay que estudiar cada caso, e muchas ocasiones me encontrado clientes que compran un producto envasado de alta rotación en envases de poca cantidad, la forma de minimizar la producción de envases siempre pasa por cambiar el metodo de compra, en ocasiones se pueden comprar ciertos productos a granel o en grandes formatos reduciendo la producción de envases y su posterior gestión, y como no reduciendo la huella de carbono del producto final,

Understanding the behavior of the producers of this waste is a requirement of the strategy. The application of the strategy was successful because of the effectiveness of education and awareness.

La educacion medioambiental desde mi punto de vista es el primer paso que deben de dar las empresas, el segundo paso es poner los medios, en alguna ocasion me encontrado empresas que ni formando ni poniendo los medios han podido reducir la producción de residuos a vertedero, al final es cuestión de concienciar al personal e incluso hacer campa?as de motivación.

Invest in appropriate waste disposal infrastructure, such as recycling bins, composting facilities, and waste collection systems. Ensure that the infrastructure is scalable to accommodate the growing needs of the organization.

En el camino hacia la sostenibilidad empresarial, la gestión de residuos desempe?a un papel crucial. Para organizaciones en crecimiento, como mínimo habría que hacer: Comprender la situación actual. Establecer objetivos medibles y realistas. Involucrar a los empleados. Seleccionar aliados comprometidos. Implementar medidas desde la fuente al consumo. Facilitar la participación. Utilizar datos para ajustar estrategias y demostrar progreso. Reconocer y recompensar contribuciones sostenibles. Extender el impacto positivo más allá de la organización. Permanecer innovador y alineado con las mejores prácticas. En conjunto, estas estrategias fomentan un crecimiento sostenible y posicionan a la empresa como líder responsable en su industria.

Exploring alternative solutions for waste reduction and recycling can enhance the effectiveness of your program. Aim for zero waste by implementing strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle all waste produced. Encourage a circular economy where materials are continuously reused or recycled. Encourage the use of reusable packaging materials. Implement a system where customers can return packaging for reuse. Transition to digital documentation to reduce paper waste. Implement electronic invoicing, communication, and documentation processes.

This is were R&D steps in and finds some better ways to handle the generated waste. One of the example that I have experienced in my career that one of the retail brand using entirely one material for a single product. The advantage is when it comes to the end of the life, it can be recycled because the entire product is casted monolithically. Hence, considering the alternative solutions from the conception of any product which will eventually end up in landfills or incineration is always a better deal.

En este punto nos encontramos diferentes alternativas, desde luego en compostar los restos de comida del comedor del personal en una empresa es una solución, pero en ocasiones este servicio ya lo estamos pagando y tenemos plantas sumamente especializadas en estas materias por lo que hacer compost de forma altruista en un negocio para cuidar de su jardín a día de hoy no lo veo ya que al final incrementara en costes de personal no productivo y poquísimas empresas aceptarían esta opción.

Recognize and reward achievements in waste reduction to motivate and sustain positive behaviors. Support startups and entrepreneurs working on innovative waste management solutions. Work closely with municipal authorities to align waste management strategies with local regulations and goals. Involve local communities in your waste reduction efforts. Organize workshops, awareness campaigns, or cleanup events in collaboration with community groups.

In order to entice your visitors, it's crucial to either send them an explanation of your current environmental policy or accompany them on the site to explain your new actions.

This is one of important steps to share the best practices and learnings via newsletters, extra financial reporting and industry best practices. This will not only help in building relationships with industry but also connect better with customer base which is planet concious.

Find out the local community waste systems and ensure the community is carried along in all operations. This helps to create elimination of old and non functional waste systems , helps to improve their perception