Waste Avoidance and Recycling

Cutting waste and maximising materials efficiency

Why is waste avoidance, recycling and materials efficiency an important issue for companies?

Using materials efficiently and effectively is a sign of a competitive business.

Smart use of materials in manufacturing is also the result of environmentally-oriented design or EcoDesign. The generation of waste through production, packaging or transport reflects practices that need to be changed and improved with a view to avoiding waste or ensuring materials are recovered and recycled.

In addition to various environmental impacts resulting from waste generation and resource use, there can also be considerable cost. Sustainability Victoria’s Resource Smart website describes the costs that can be associated with waste generation:

• Cost of raw material written off as waste
• Lost opportunity (when waste can be converted into finished products)
• Making waste
• Waste treatment cost
• Rework cost
• Lost production time
• Staff time on unproductive waste management work
• Storage and clean-up costs.
• Waste disposal costs

The Waste Wise Program also administered by Sustainability Victoria highlights how to integrate sustainable principles into everyday operations, as well as how your company can benefit from the tangible results that flow from commitment to responsible waste management practices. Some of the benefits of being ‘Waste Wise’ and participating in the Program include the following key benefits:

• Reduced waste, litter and associated costs
• Free access to resources and ongoing specialist advice
• Enhancement of reputation and improved public perception
• Recognition and reward for achievements
• Free use of the Waste Wise logo
• Improved compliance with environmental responsibilities
• Contribution to a sustainable future

What are the design-related opportunities?

Design is uniquely placed to create low waste products, services and processes. Whether it involves product design or the design of an interior space or service, EcoDesign approaches can directly contribute to higher levels of material efficiency through design for durability, as well as design for disassembly and recycling. Ease of repair and maintenance are also outcomes possible through intelligent design intervention.

Most importantly, EcoDesign strategies focussed on waste avoidance, recycling and materials efficiency can help to lock-in positive environmental features such as durability and recyclability, as well as lock-out negative environmental aspects such as hazardous substances, toxic waste and unnecessary packaging.

What can you do to avoid waste, recycle and use materials more efficiently?

• One of the first steps towards being smarter and more responsible with materials and thus generating less waste is to seek specialist advice and support from key agencies such as Sustainability Victoria and EPA Victoria. Both of these agencies administer programs, grants, tools and other knowledge resources to help business improve their waste and materials related environmental performance. For more information visit, www.sustainability.vic.gov.au and www.epa.vic.gov.au.

• In particular, consider joining the Waste Wise Program. The Resource Smart Business Program website features comprehensive information related to waste minimisation and recycling, including specific guidance on Design for Sustainability or EcoDesign. For more information visit, www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au.

• Some more specific strategies and guidelines aimed at connecting business success and waste reduction are outlined on the Resource Smart Business Program website.
  
  It suggests you might need to:
  • Rethink production systems
  • Evaluate relationships in your supply chain
  • Change the way industrial raw materials are packaged
  • Change your approach to transportation
  • Introduce recycling systems

• Resource Smart also recommends several simple things that everyone can do to contribute to reducing the amount of waste your workplace sends to landfill.

• Involve everyone
  Get all of your staff involved in waste reduction activities to reduce unnecessary waste and improve your bottom line. Get your waste contractors and building managers involved to ensure a unified approach to waste reduction.
  Explain the recycling system to all staff, and include recycling in your office induction. If your building doesn't offer recycling, talk to the building manager about how this can be fixed.
• Make it easy to recycle
  Provide recycling within easy access of staff. For example, small bins near workstations can be emptied into a larger bin for recycling. Minimise rubbish bins for waste that can't be recycled. If staff have to walk further to throw something out, they're more likely to think about recycling.
• Encourage good practices
  Support reusable containers. For example, encourage staff to get their takeaway coffee in a mug every day. Display posters or other reminders about recycling.
• Get the best system
  Talk to your waste contractor about the best recycling system for your workplace. In many cases a mixed recycling system can be implemented, providing a single bin for paper, cardboard, aluminium, steel cans and most types of plastic.

• For practical waste reduction and recycling actions related to office paper, packaging and plastics around the office and workplace, VECCI’s Grow Me the Money website has an extended list of tips and hints that are straightforward to implement. The site also features valuable information about where to recycle IT waste, food, drink and organic waste, as well as waste exchanges. See: www.growmethemoney.com.au.

Who else can help with knowledge, advice and support?

The following organisations are able to provide a diverse range of information, guidance and support depending on your specific waste minimisation needs.

Resource Smart Business Program – Sustainability Victoria

The Resource Smart Business Program helps businesses across Victoria manage the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. The program helps businesses to understand the impacts of a carbon-constrained economy, apply simple and smart solutions to manage their carbon footprint, connect with like-minded businesses, suppliers and government agencies, and identify opportunities to innovate.

www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

Grow Me the Money (VECCI Initiative)

Grow Me the Money is a free program for Victorian small to medium sized businesses interested in environmental sustainability. Grow Me the Money provides you with a step-by-step guide to saving money and reducing your resource consumption. It has excellent practical information related to waste minimisation and recycling for business.

www.growmethemoney.com.au

EPA Victoria – Waste Pages

The EPA’s waste-related pages are a comprehensive source of information on all aspects of solid and hazardous waste, including guidance on regulations and prescribed waste, transporting waste, product stewardship and landfills. As the Victorian regulator responsible for waste legislation and policy, the EPA website is an essential resource for businesses.

www.epa.vic.gov.au

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