Environment
Government of Alberta
Location: Alberta Government > Environment > Environmental Education

Waste Reduction Week 2005

Business Waste Reduction Tips

  • Rely on the experts - bring in a recycling specialist to help identify areas where you can reduce waste and increase profits
  • Prepare a waste audit to determine how much waste you generate
  • Record the contents of every bag of garbage for a period of time to see what makes up the largest portion of overall waste.
  • Consider joining or forming an eco-industrial park. Often waste from one business can be used as a raw material for another.
  • Review related companies' plans for waste reduction. These will help you set realistic goals. Manuals are available from Alberta Environment at www.gov.ab.ca/env
  • Use environmentally responsible suppliers who are committed to reducing waste. The Recycling Council of Alberta, www.recycle.ab.ca has an online guide of these suppliers.
  • Use labeled bins to collect and sort your recyclable waste. This can be done in any setting, including retail outlets, office buildings, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and construction and demolition sites.
  • Reduce product packaging. About one-third of our garbage is packaging that is immediately thrown out.
  • Conduct a water audit/water balance of facilities to determine where and how much water is being used and where. Identify areas where and how much wastewater is being generated.
  • Donate unwanted supplies and equipment, or make use of a materials exchange program.
  • Use bulk dispensers in hotels and restaurants. Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and even condiments can be dispensed in bulk containers.
  • Compost. Organics make up a significant portion of business waste. Food scraps and paper are excellent for composting. Send your organics to compost facilities or energy recovery facilities.
  • Turn off the water when it is not in use.
  • Only run full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher.
  • Turn off lights when you leave the room to save energy and money.
  • Use a compact fluorescent light bulb instead of the old-style incandescent. You will use about 75% less electricity and the bulb will last longer.