When running a business it’s crucial to prioritise waste reduction and disposal. Managing business waste effectively can lead to cost savings, reduced emissions and improved environmental credentials. To begin this process we suggest evaluating your business operations.
- Food waste
This includes food, plates, napkins and containers. It’s a type of waste that can be minimised by ensuring staff members are mindful of their food consumption, before ordering items.
- Paper waste
This encompasses unwanted paper and used printer cartridges and documents from meetings or interviews. It’s prevalent in businesses and can be mitigated by implementing separate recycling bins for paper at your premises. For details on Confidential paper shredding Oxford, go to printwaste.co.uk/confidential-shredding/confidential-shredding-oxford/
- Glass waste
Restaurants, hotels and glass manufacturing companies often generate glass waste. Proper disposal methods and recycling should be employed as this type of waste is considered hazardous.
- Transportation waste
This occurs when people or equipment move unnecessarily like walking, lifting or relocating materials. Implementing manufacturing techniques such as process mapping and standardised work can help reduce this type of waste.
- Inventory waste
This happens when a production process leads to materials, work in progress (WIP) or finished goods. To address this type of business waste it is beneficial to adopt a manufacturing approach by purchasing only what is necessary, reducing WIP and minimising stock.
This occurs when a business produces goods faster than the demand requires. This can result in quality issues, increased expenses for labour and materials as additional wastes like scrap and rework. To reduce this type of business waste focus on process improvements, accurate forecasting and effective communication between production and support functions.
- Unused talent
This refers to the underutilisation or suboptimal utilisation of employees skills and talents within a business. To minimise this type of business waste, review employee responsibilities. Ensure that each person is assigned to tasks that align with their strengths.
- Hazardous waste
This encompasses any chemical or material that poses risks to the environment, humans or animals. Different industries, such as power plants, scientific labs and oil/fuel companies can generate this kind of business waste. It’s typically produced in considerable quantities and requires careful handling due to its potential danger. To ensure disposal that’s both environmentally friendly and safe, it’s important for businesses to rely on trusted industrial waste disposal companies. Treating this type of waste responsibly should be a priority, for any business that has the potential to produce materials.
