Waste Reduction

OPTIONS FOR WASTE REDUCTION AT THE WORKPLACE

There are many ways to reduce waste at the workplace, including but not limited to the following:

  • Get staff involved in waste reduction efforts. Keep them informed of the goals of the program and establish a waste reduction committee.
  • Encourage staff to bring “waste-free” lunches in reusable containers and bags.
  • Install water-saving devices in washrooms (i.e. air hand dryers, energy-efficient lights, timers and a computerized thermostat) to reduce energy costs.
  • Install energy-efficient light sensors in storage rooms.
  • Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.
  • Close the loop; support and encourage the purchase of materials, supplies, and packaging that contain recycled or refurbished content.
  • Buy products in bulk to minimize packaging. Bulk products are generally less expensive than smaller and individually packaged items.
  • Familiarize staff with the proper operation of office equipment to eliminate waste due to misuse and ensure that all office equipment is regularly serviced to prevent malfunctions.
  • Install a computerized thermostat to control the heating and air conditioning system.
  • Make it policy to purchase products with recycled content, which are durable, refillable, reusable, or recyclable.
  • Centrally post or circulate memos and other documents instead of providing each person with an individual copy. Use an electronic bulletin board for private memos.
  • Use green products
  • Avoid Styrofoam. It is not recyclable.
  • Use refurbished toner cartridges
  • Recycle used printer cartridges
  • Review documents on screen and print only the final version
  • Encourage paperless or electronic memos or reports
  • Circulate (rather than copy) memos, documents, periodicals, and reports.
  • Eliminate unnecessary reports.
  • Purchase second hand office furniture. Sell old office equipment to employees, or donate it to reuse centers or charitable organizations.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient halogen or fluorescent bulbs.
  • Properly recycle fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Ensure staff are aware of and familiar with all company waste reduction programs, policies, and objectives.
  • Make two-sided copies. If a single-sided machine is being used, reverse the pages and feed them through a second time.
  • Use the reduction feature on the copier to fit more on one page.
  • Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.
  • Use a fax stamp or reusable fax forms instead of a cover page to minimize paper waste.
  • Use old paper (i.e., one side has been used) in the fax machine.
  • Use single-sided sheets of paper as scrap paper for notes.
  • Use computer disks or electronic files to edit draft documents. Only print a hard copy of the final document.
  • Single space the text of documents.
  • Reuse scrap paper, envelopes, etc. for notes and drafts.
  • Use refillable pens, pencils, and tape dispensers.
  • Close the curtains or blinds in your office before you leave. This minimizes heat loss in the winter and keeps the office cool in the summer.
  • Save and reuse old file folders, hanging files, etc.
  • Reuse envelopes by placing a new address label over the original name. Plain labels with your office’s address can be use to cover the original address.

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