Waste Prevention

Some basic waste prevention tips

Reduce paper use

• Use both sides of the page. Draft reports can be printed on the back of paper that has been used once. Set aside such paper for printers and copy machines.
• Make double–sided photocopies. Reports can be copied on both sides of the page.
• Print only the number of copies necessary. Limit the distribution of correspondence and reports to only those who really need hard copies.
• Route one hard copy to several readers.
• Use email or bulletin boards for sending and receiving information.
• Accept papers with minor handwritten corrections for internal documents.
• Set printers and copiers to default to double sided copies.

The PaperLess Program: Santa Clara County has developed an excellent program, which encourages businesses to reduce their paper usage. It offers a comprehensive list of waste prevention ideas that will encourage your company to go PaperLess.

Reduce packaging and shipping materials

• Eliminate unnecessary layers of packaging.
• Ask suppliers to take back pallets or switch to more durable pallets that can be re–used.
• Investigate other reusable packaging, such as boxes.
• Re–use received boxes and packaging for outgoing shipments.
• Shred or crumple waste paper for use as packing material.

Use less — re–use more

• Use or manufacture minimal or reusable packaging. For example: re–use packing material, use less packaging, and ship merchandise in returnable/reusable containers.
• Use and maintain durable equipment and supplies. High quality, long–lasting supplies and equipment that can be repaired easily mean fewer discards. Durable items stay out of the waste stream longer, offsetting higher initial costs.
• Re–use products and supplies. Use durable, reusable products rather than single–use materials. A one–time investment for reusable items ends the frequently expensive cycle of discarding and reordering.
• Use supplies and materials more efficiently. Change company policies and operations to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve materials. Set up a re–use area where employees can take unneeded supplies rather than throwing them away and encourage staff to "shop" there.
• Exchange, sell, or give away unneeded goods for re–use. Donate excess food, used furniture, and other materials to local organizations such as homeless shelters or charities.
• Reduce unwanted or multiple copy mail. Get off unwanted mailing lists, and share subscriptions to professional magazines. No more junk mail.

Tips for specific industries

• Food Service
• Hospitals
• Landscapers
• Lodging Industry
• Meetings and Conferences
• Offices
• Printing
• Property Management
• Restaurants
• Retail Stores