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Having a solid waste management strategy is crucial to any company, no matter the sector in which it operates. No business wants to find itself caught in a situation where waste is piling up, posing a health hazard and affecting the work or their employees.
For these reasons, it is important to implement and maintain an operational waste management strategy. At Broxap, we understand the importance of this, which is why we have put together manuals and guides that help your business get waste management right the first time.
We have also compiled our top ten tips for effective waste management for your business – let's review them.
1. Carry out a waste audit
The first step in implementing a successful waste management program is to undertake a systematic review of all your business's waste generation, operations, and infrastructure.
Realistically, there are three main parts to this: one, conducting a waste audit to identify the types and volume of waste generated by your business; two, determining which departments produce the most waste and identifying areas for improvement; and three, using the data collected to develop targeted strategies for reducing and recycling waste.
Although this sounds easier said than done, a waste audit is necessary to identify key trends in your commercial waste streams and reveal opportunities for cost savings.
2. Identify and manage your waste streams
There are five main types of waste streams that can be produced, which include general waste, recyclable waste (plastic, paper, glass), food waste, hazardous waste and construction & demolition waste.
Identifying and managing the waste streams that your business produces contributes to your business's sustainability efforts and enhances your company's reputation among environmentally conscious customers. Effective waste management can also lead to significant cost savings, broaden your social responsibility goals, and improve overall productivity.
3. Reduce single waste items
By reducing single waste items and encouraging the use of reusable alternatives, such as water bottles and coffee mugs, your company can decrease the volume of waste it generates.
This not only helps conserve resources and reduce general waste streams but also promotes recycling efforts among employees. It can even help save your business money over the long run, as less is spent on disposable products!
4. Improve internal and external waste disposal
Internally, you can establish recycling stations and waste bins to encourage proper material sorting. Separate compartments within each bin, coupled with clear labels and posters, will help ensure waste is effectively segregated.
Externally, collaborating with reliable waste disposal companies that prioritise sustainable practices can ensure that waste is removed from your site responsibly. Proper planning and scheduling of external waste removal can help avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure efficient waste management.
5. Separate food waste from general waste
The separation of food waste, or organic waste, has always been seen as a positive from many different angles. For example, companies that separate food waste see a dramatic reduction in the contamination rate of other waste streams. Also, recycling food waste separately is more cost-effective than sending it to landfills.
From March 31st 2025, all businesses with more than ten full-time employees must set up a separate food waste recycling stream. This new simpler recycling policy, implemented by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is a legal requirement that all workplaces in England must comply with.
Most workplaces will require four containers for:
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste.
- Food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate).
- Paper and card.
- All other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass).
Success Story: Coleg Gwent, South Wales
Eighty-six of our hard-wearing Daventry Double Recycling Bins and Daventry Triple Recycling Bins were installed indoors across the two campuses. Each compartment within the bin is clearly labelled with visual images and text in both Welsh and English, including food waste and paper, as well as a unique aperture to help users identify what can and cannot be recycled.
6. Encourage employees to get involved
When team members within your business actively participate in waste management initiatives, they naturally become more aware of their consumption habits and the environmental impact of their actions. This awareness often leads to innovative ideas for improving efficiency, reducing costs and streamlining operations.
As a result, your business will benefit from improved processes and reduced waste, and employees will feel more motivated and productive.
7. Put together a waste management plan
A comprehensive waste management plan is essential for any business aiming to manage waste effectively and sustainably. This plan should important information such as the types and volume of waste produced, the bin types and sizes for storage, the frequency of collection for all bins, and the costs of waste management.
The benefits of putting together a thorough plan include increased business efficiency, enhanced profitability, as you can see exactly how much is being spent on each waste stream, environmental awareness, and legal compliance.
8. Keep up to date with regulations
Staying informed about the latest waste management regulations is vital for any business that aims to operate sustainably and legally. Regulations can change frequently, and failing to keep up can put your organisation at risk of fines or legal action. Subscribe to newsletters, take part in industry seminars, and develop a system to review changes in legislation regularly. This can help ensure that your practices remain compliant and that you're aware of any new waste reduction or recycling opportunities.
9. Monitor and adjust practices
By analysing waste streams and key performance indicators, you can better understand your waste production patterns and pinpoint specific processes that may need adjustment. Collecting this data will also empower you to set measurable goals, which can lead to greater waste reduction and cost savings over time.
After monitoring, the next step is to implement necessary adjustments based on the findings. It's crucial to communicate any changes clearly and gather feedback from staff to ensure everyone is on board with new practices. Regularly revisiting and refining your waste management approach will not improve efficiency across your business as a whole.
10. Invest in high-quality litter and recycling bins
Keeping waste management in check within your business starts with having the right bins. At Broxap, we have a range of designs that will complement your space, no matter which industry you're in.
From indoor food waste bins to wheelie bin housings to compartmentalised recycling bins, we have it all. We offer bins in galvanised steel, timber, stainless steel, both grade 304 and 316, cast iron, polyethene (plastic), and recycled plastic.
Contact our teams today to find the correct bin for your space and discover how we can help manage your various waste streams effectively while reducing your business's environmental impact.
Waste Managment: FAQs
Something on your mind? We can help!
What is classed as business waste?
Business waste refers to the waste generated by commercial activities, including offices, restaurants, shops, and other types of businesses. This waste can encompass a wide range of material, such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and food waste. Understanding the nature and volume of business waste is crucial for implementing effective waste management strategies that minimise environmental impact and reduce costs.
What are the new recycling rules in England 2025?
In 2025, England is set to implement new recycling regulations to improve waste management and reduce environmental impact. One of the key changes is the mandatory separation of food waste from general waste for business with more than ten full-time employees. This initiative, led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), requires companies to establish a separate food waste recycling stream to reduce contamination and enhance recycling efficiency.
What are the 5 principles of waste management?
The five principles of waste management, known as the "5 Rs", guide businesses in reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. Refuse: Avoid unnecessary items that add to waste; Reduce: Minimise waste; Reuse: Extend the life of products through repeated use; Recycle materials like paper, plastic and glass; and Rot: Compost organic waste to enrich soil.