For businesses planning to adopt zero waste, success depends on understanding key concepts and preparing effectively.

Words: Josh Bradley and Andrea Rossitter

In the built environment, sustainability often focuses on energy efficiency or large capital projects. However, a simpler approach – implementing zero waste programs – can also significantly contribute to an organisation’s sustainability goals.

What is a zero-waste program?

Zero waste programs aim to minimise landfill waste by promoting recycling, repurposing and composting. These programs are cost-effective, easy to implement and reduce resource consumption while fostering a culture of sustainability.

For businesses planning to adopt zero waste, success depends on understanding key concepts and preparing effectively.

Know the terms

Clear communication is essential when engaging stakeholders and implementing solutions. For example, “Zero waste” refers to reducing or eliminating waste at a location, while ‘TRUE Zero Waste’ is a certification program requiring 90 percent waste diversion for an entire year.

Other terms include:

Waste streams: The journey of rubbish from disposal to final reuse or elimination. Proper sorting is a vital first step.
Centralised trash: Using larger bins in shared areas rather than personal trash cans encourages mindful waste disposal and better sorting.

Assess your current waste system

Before upgrading waste processes, analyse your current system by asking:

Is centralised trash in use?
Are composting options available?
What policies exist for waste sorting?

Conduct a waste audit to identify misplaced recyclables or compostable items and connect with waste haulers to ensure their practices align with your goals. Building partnerships with haulers can also lead to innovative waste management solutions.

Engage and educate facility occupants

Achieving zero waste requires cultural shifts and occupant involvement. Strategies include:

Forming committees and designating green champions.
Offering education through signage, competitions and events like lunch-and-learns.
Securing leadership support to establish helpful policies, such as requiring compostable packaging from food vendors.

Transparency and field trips to recycling or composting facilities can turn sceptics into advocates.

Make it easy and rewarding

Simple, clear signage and visible progress tracking keep occupants engaged. Competitions and incentives can boost participation, while digital displays and newsletters help share updates.

Keep the long-term goal in mind

Facility occupants may initially view changes like centralised trash as inconvenient. Communicate benefits like cost savings, environmental impact and improved efficiency for janitorial staff. Highlight how small efforts contribute to achieving company-wide sustainability targets.

Zero-waste programs, tailored to each facility, create environments that benefit both people and the planet.

This article first appeared in CMM.