Reduce your waste
Reduce your wasteAddressing waste and recycling can help engage your employees and demonstrate the benefits of collective action. We all notice the harmful impact of plastic pollution.
Review all items you buy and use against the waste hierarchy . For example, where can you eliminate or cut back on single use items? How can you reduce packaging? Can you use reusable cups and plates at events? Can you buy second hand plates and utensils for your staff kitchen?
An office waste management plan will evaluate all items consumed by your business and seek to minimise the creation of wastes according to the waste hierarchy. The plan will often involve liaising with multiple stakeholders, from procurement to building occupants, cleaners, building managers, waste contractors, and waste facility operators.
Steps:
Conduct a waste audit – we can help you with this.
Develop a waste management plan – review all the items you buy and use and consider what lower-impact alternatives are available.
Review your bin signs.
Create programs to prompt employees to use reusable items such as cups.
E-Learning
Introduction to waste management (Module A)
Complete this 25 minute e-learning module to improve your understanding of office waste management. Learn how to conduct a visual waste review and more. This module is suitable for businesses who lease their office.
E-Learning
Introduction to waste management (Module B)
Complete this 5-10 minute e-learning module to improve your understanding of office waste management. Suitable for asset, facility and building managers. This module was produced by Edge Impact.
E-Learning
Introduction to waste management (Module C)
Complete this 5-10 minute e-learning module to improve your understanding of office waste management. Suitable for asset, facility and building managers. This module was produced by Edge Impact.
Tool
Visual waste assessment
Download XLSXComplete this visual waste assessment in your office every day for a week. This easy-to-use worksheet will give you an estimate of your current waste generation, recycling rates and the composition of your waste.
Once completed return the sheet to your CitySwitch program manager and receive a report including a detailed overview of your waste generation and action plan.
Guide
Recycling services across Australia - handy links
Webinar
Rubbish Rehab: Practical Actions for Better Waste Management
Learn about the circular economy principles, how to set targets and develop your waste action plan. Discover practical ways to tackle food waste, coffee cups, e-waste and more.
This session is hosted by Freyja Jorgensen from Green Connect with guest presenters Duncan Le Good from SoilCo and Roger Stamford from EML.
Case study
Talking rubbish: CitySwitch waste heroes
Case study
Want to minimise your waste? Learn how SHAPE Australia uses circular economy principles.
Guide
How to reduce waste: the dos and don’ts of signs
Guide
Waste guide for offices
Download PDFThis guide will help you reduce your office waste, optimise waste management and recycling systems, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility in your office.
