WASTE REDUCTION TIPS
Making waste reduction a everyday practice in your company will help you save
money. Here are some department by department ideas for getting started:
MANAGEMENT
- Make waste reduction a company policy and provide the support to make it
happen. For instance establish a committee to oversee reduction and recycling
efforts or offer employees incentives for recommending ways to reduce waste.
- Conduct a waste assessment to target opportunities to reduce waste and
increase recycling in your company. The Solid Waste District offers free waste
assessments for industries. For information, call the District.
SHIPPING & RECEIVING DEPARTMENT
- Buy in bulk and ask vendors to eliminate any unnecessary packaging.
- Return shipping materials to suppliers for reuse and request that products be
shipped in reusable two-way containers.
- Monitor and control inventory to prevent the disposal of obsolete or
overstocked items.
- Shred mixed office paper for use as a packing material.
OFFICES
- Make double-sided copies.
- Circulate documents rather than making multiple copies or use E-mail.
- Utilize a central filing system to reduce the need for multiple copies.
- Update mailing lists regularly.
- Purchase only paper and other products which can be recycled through your
company's recycling program. For instance, if your vending machines dispense
paper cups for soda, switch to a machine which dispenses aluminum cans.
- Replace styrofoam cups with ceramic coffee mugs.
MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
- Use and maintain durable equipment and supplies.
- Replace paper towels with cloth towel dispensers.
- Purchase cleaning supplies in bulk, concentrate or in refillable containers.
- Rent equipment that is only used occasionally.
- Exchange or sell surplus and reusable items through a materials exchange.
Waste exchanges are listed under "Industrial Waste Exchanges" in this
directory.
- Donate unneeded goods or materials. Call the Solid Waste District
to receive a copy of Pass It On: A Resource-Full Guide to Donating Usable
Stuff which lists local nonprofit organizations that accept donations.
PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
- Purchase recycled products. For a list of vendors, contact the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources' Division of Recycling at (614) 265-6333.