CORPORATE WASTE FAQS: UNDERSTANDING THE WASTE MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE

Achieving zero waste can help reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by diverting waste from landfills and incineration, recycling and reusing materials, and designing products for longevity and recyclability. Embodying the circular economy principles inherent in zero waste strategies will have a ripple effect on a company's overall environmental footprint.

The concept of "zero waste to landfill" has been a widely adopted goal and is still encouraged as the end goal of any waste reduction strategy, but a more holistic approach focusing on the Waste Hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle) may be more practical for many companies. Besides being a statutory requirement for waste producers, prioritising the Waste Hierarchy wherever possible will lead to an increased diversion from landfill rate. 

The ultimate goal should be to minimise the overall environmental impact of waste, which may involve exploring alternative disposal methods, such as waste-to-energy, in addition to reduction and recycling efforts.

Strategies include identifying opportunities to generate revenue from waste streams, exploring alternative disposal methods, implementing lean manufacturing techniques, engaging employees, and leveraging government incentives. By viewing waste as a resource, businesses can unlock new opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation while making progress towards sustainability goals.

Additionally, the use of more durable and reusable materials and products often leads to a reduction in purchasing costs. Pursuing zero waste can therefore generate cost savings in other areas of the business which may not, at first glance, appear connected to waste.

Emerging trends include the development of innovative recycling technologies, the rise of refill and reuse systems, and the increased focus on product design for durability, disassembly, repairability and recyclability. However, challenges remain around the recycling of complex, multi-material products and packaging, particularly for plastics, electronic waste, and organic matter. 

Another trend we are seeing is an increase in companies pursuing certification against zero waste standards (such as TRUE), to validate their zero waste strategies and actions.

Effective first steps often involve:

• Conducting a full waste audit to understand the materials and waste related to their operations;
• Implementing robust recycling and composting programs;
• Implementing training to encourage employees to minimise waste;
• Creating a waste / zero waste policy and establishing leadership goals to reduce waste;
• Eliminating single-use items;
• Exploring opportunities to redesign products and packaging; 
• Engaging with suppliers and customers to identify reduction opportunities throughout the value chain.

These initial steps should be accompanied by the setting of clear goals, waste-related metrics, and reporting mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.

Engaging and empowering employees at all levels through green team groups, sustainability ambassadors, and comprehensive training can be highly effective in driving local-level change and fostering a culture of sustainability. 

The impacts of a top-down approach will be limited without the full engagement of employees on the ground. When employees feel invested in the process and see the tangible impact of their actions, they become champions of sustainability within the organisation. 

Simple actions by individual employees, such as reducing paper usage, properly sorting waste, and choosing reusable alternatives, have a substantial impact when multiplied across an entire workforce. By fostering a culture of sustainability and empowering individuals to take ownership of their environmental impact, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce in achieving zero waste goals.