Landfilling and incineration pollute the air, land and water sources of the local environment. This creates serious health consequences for the local community and destabilises ecosystems, thereby making communities less resilient in the face of changing circumstances and thereby create more dependence on resources from outside communities. In other words, waste is connected to wider environmental and societal issues and needs to be taken seriously and seen as a force that can create more good than harm.
<aside> 💡 What does it mean in practice?
This means ensuring that unwanted/broken hardware, office supplies, construction waste, etc. is redirected for repurposing, recycling or repairing to extend its lifecycle and minimise materials going to landfill where they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation. Meanwhile, organic waste may be composted and returned to the soil.
</aside>
SMEs contribute significantly to operational waste of common recyclables and biowaste that end up in landfill or incineration, so they are part of the issue. This is why most current legislation and waste regulation is targeted towards recycling, and there is a growing movement within the private sector to not just comply with regulations but to turn waste into a clear business opportunity that has clear benefits for communities, the environment, consumers and staff.
Supporting efforts to reduce contamination of local air, water and soil through improved waste management will improve the health of your local community.
Reducing waste production and pollution will result in lower financial costs from decreased environmental taxation, landfill taxes, and production costs.
SMEs may gain a reputation for being sustainable and may attract new business and customers.
Complying with government standards will safeguard SMEs and position them to adapt to stricter regulations in the future easily.
In Manufacturing
In the Office
<aside> 💡 If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it. The first step to assessing an SME’s performance is by identifying the key sources of environmental impact in the supply chain.
</aside>
<aside> 💡 Did you know?
Aligning SMEs’ waste and pollution management with government targets ensure safeguarding. The Welsh Government released the following key targets for waste and pollution management by 2050:
The first step in creating a waste management plan is to identify the gap between company performance and government targets. This involves reviewing the documentation (e.g. environmental taxation and landfill taxes, supplier and manufacturer transport data, etc.) against government targets. Consistent monitoring is essential to assess the performance of initiatives over time.
New regulations are in place in Wales for all businesses on separating waste. For more information to to Workplace recycling | GOV.WALES
</aside>
[ ] Where possible, choose suppliers that can demonstrate good environmental performance.
[ ] Refurbish and repair existing office supplies/hardware/goods. Where purchasing is needed, consider refurbished items or items made of recycled materials instead of replacing them with new ones from virgin material.
[ ] Go paperless!
[ ] Buy locally to reduce emissions and support the local economy.
[ ] Remove unnecessary packaging from the product and consider using recycled or biodegradable packaging.
[ ] Support a hybrid or remote working environment, and support staff in active travel alternatives where travel is required.
[ ] Consider joining a circular economy club that connects small businesses in the local area that might be interested in using and buying the SME’s waste.
[ ] Engage staff in the company’s waste management plan to reduce waste through morale-based social challenges and guidance strategies.
[ ] Provide a compost bin for food waste.
[ ] Incorporate environmental consciousness into company values.
[ ] Consider a waste audit to get more detailed feedback on your company’s unique waste management plan.
A Guide to Running a More Cost-effective and Environmentally Sustainable Office
