Businesses can not only gain a competitive advantage by reducing waste, they can also help protect the environment. In fact, waste reduction and reuse offer a number of benefits to businesses including:
- reduced purchasing costs
- reduced garbage collection and disposal fees
- increased efficiency and productivity
- reduced energy use and associated fees
- enhanced business image within the community and with customers
Term Definitions
Waste Reduction Tips (office, lunchroom, purchasing, product design)
Reduce Junk Mail
Industry Specific Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction at Events (conferences, meetings, festivals)
Free Office Waste Reduction Posters Available
Term Definitions
- Waste reduction
also referred to as "waste prevention", is any activity that reduces, avoids, or eliminates generating waste. It focuses on preventing waste generation as opposed to controlling, treating or managing waste after it has been generated.
- *
Reuse
a component of waste reduction, means using an item for a similar or identical purpose to avoid waste generation. Waste reduction and reuse save resources and reduce the total amount of waste generated by improving the efficiency with which we use materials.
Waste Reduction Tips
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In the office......
*Reuse the back sides of your paper for scratch paper or for printing out faxes or draft documents.
Make double-sided copies whenever possible.
Edit documents on your computer.
*Make scratch pads from used paper.
*Use refillable laser printer cartridges.
Eliminate unnecessary paper forms. Use electronic forms when possible.
Circulate reports and publications when possible, rather than making individual copies.
Use e-mail or post messages on a central board, or route a single
paper copy.
When appropriate, use a smaller
font size and smaller margins so letters and memos use less paper.
Revise mailing lists to avoid unnecessary mailings.
*Reuse office supplies such as envelopes and folders.
Implement a reuse or donation program for furniture and equipment.
Click here for more ideas! |
In the lunchroom......
Use reusable rather than disposable mugs/cups, plates, utensils, and food storage containers.
Arrange for a food bank to pick-up unserved food.
Click here for more ideas!
When ordering items......
Order merchandise in minimal packaging, in concentrated form (e.g. cleaning supplies) and/or in bulk.
*Reuse packaging whenever possible.
Ask vendors to make deliveries in returnable containers.
*Reuse cardboard boxes and other packing materials.
Ask that your company not be added to general mailing lists so that you do not receive unwanted mail.
Click here for more ideas!
In product design......
Create products that are durable, reusable and have less packaging.
Reduce the amount of material and toxicity generated in the design of products and alleviate the burden of managing these products when they are thrown away.
Click here for more ideas! |
Reduce Junk Mail! Dealing with unwanted mail wastes time and money for businesses. To reduce the amount of unwanted mail that your business receives, try the following:
- Visit King County, Washington's
Business Junk Mail Reduction Project website
Sign up for a free service to stop mail to your former employees offered by the Ecological Mail Coalition.
Waste Reduction Tips for Specific Industries
The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) offers tips for specific industries. Use these links to access their information on your industry.
Hospitals
Hotels and Motels
Landscapers
Meetings and Conferences
Offices
Printing Industry
Property Management
Restaurants/Food Service
Retail Stores
Jump start your waste reduction program with free posters!
Click here to view and download free waste reduction posters from the CIWMB.