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   Waste Action at Work

 It is now easier than ever to do your bit towards caring for the environment and building a cleaner future. Good waste management practice saves money and protect our environment for future generations.

It’s simple. If we all reduce the amount of rubbish we produce, reuse more of the products we already have and recycle as much as possible, we will dramatically reduce our waste The time to act is now.

Waste disposal costs have increase significantly, places severe pressure on our environment and our waste management services — landfill is the main waste disposal route but we are running out of landfill space.

 Dealing with waste in Ireland is a major challenge. We produce too much waste; in fact whether at home or at work, we are producing more waste than most of our European neighbors. Landfill space is running out – there is as little as three years capacity remaining in some regions. 

 Legislation has changed which makes waste segregation mandatory for most businesses. Segregation of waste into different categories at source is essential to ensure maximum capability of recycling by producing clean segregated waste streams. Producing too much waste and consigning it all to landfill is a waste of natural resources and is completely unsustainable. These are all very good reasons to join The Race Against Waste. However, the best reason of all from a business point of view is that managing waste better will save your business money!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,

How can I REDUCE my business waste?

Establish a policy that office reports, memos, internal manuals etc be double-sided copied to reduce paper

Place reminder signs at photocopiers and printers re: double sided printing

Maintain a centralised filing system instead of making multiple copies

for multiple files

Send e-mail memos to save paper

Store data on computer networks or on disk instead of paper files

Review documents on-screen before printing to avoid waste

Update your mailing lists to avoid duplication, waste and added costs

Remove your company’s name from junk mailing lists

Order supplies in bulk or in concentrated form

Don’t use bin liners in bins collecting dry waste

Purchase durable equipment

Replace paper towels with washable towels or hand dryers

Use rechargeable batteries

Implement a stock purchase and rotation system so stocks are used

within their ‘shelf-life’

How can I REUSE my business waste?

Save and reuse inter-office envelopes, file folders and boxes. Use reusable mailing pouches

Reuse shredded newspaper / paper for packaging

Repair old or unused office furniture and equipment or donate it to charity

Give old magazines to libraries, hospitals or nursing homes

Use reusable memo boards for messages

Refill laser printer, copier and fax toner cartridges

Reuse ring binders, paper clips, rubber bands

Distribute and use ceramic mugs for beverages consumed in the

workplace eliminating the need for polystyrene or plastic cups

Reuse incoming boxes for outgoing deliveries

How can I RECYCLE my business waste?

Recycling glass bottles and jars, cans, cardboard and paper will greatly

reduce the amount of waste going to landfill

RECYCLE ALL PAPER including envelopes, invoices, faxes, junk mail,

magazines, telephone books, catalogues etc. according to your recycling service provider’s specifications

Recycle packaging materials: cardboard, chipboard, bags, plastics

Recycle food and beverage containers

Recycle the products of Spring Cleaning

Buy Recycled

Research and buy products made from recycled materials to

‘close the loop’

Consider selling products made with recycled-content material

if you are a retail outlet

Commit to buying paper, packaging material and office supplies made from recycled products

Buy items which can be recycled easily: envelopes without windows,

non-glossy paper

Purchase paper and marketing items containing recycled content.

Buy reusable and refillable items such as toner cartridges and tape

dispensers

Buy file folders, accordion folders and dividers made from recycled paper products

In production environments:

  Co-ordinate a review of waste production. This will involve identifying

the waste streams and the volumes of waste produced as well as

identifying areas where waste is a problem

  Look for opportunities to prevent and recycle waste by purchasing

reusable, durable and repairable equipment and supplies

  Identify materials for composting or recycling and select and work with your waste contractor or recycling company on costs, pick-up

schedules and other programme specifics

  Set up a segregated collection bin system for recyclables in common

work areas

  Identify storage areas and develop a system for moving materials to

storage areas

  Network with other businesses and with local authority staff involved

in waste management

  Promote waste reduction and recycling in the work place and

encourage staff to do the same at home

Links to Information Sources on Waste:

EU based