Office Waste Reduction Programs
An office waste reduction program is a way for businesses to target those materials that are abundant in their waste stream and easily diverted from landfills. Most of the time this can be accomplished cost effectively by facilitating proactive source separation, and can actually save money by conserving resources and reducing disposal costs.
Office waste is made up of many materials that are readily divertible, and the 3 most common of those material categories represent almost 90% of total generated waste: paper products (54%), plastics (12%), and organics (23%). Glass and metals together make up approximately 3% of total waste. Note: These figures are averages, but if a company is looking to acquire more accurate data, they can perform a characterization study of their own (see EPA Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste).
Source Reduction Policies
Though recycling is preferable to disposal, source reduction should be encouraged as much as possible. The following are simple policies that can be incorporated into a basic office waste reduction program:
Paper Products
- Default two-sided printing
- Generate computer files rather than paper files
- Take steps to reduce junk mail
- Reuse envelopes when possible
- Set aside and reuse one-sided notepads
Plastics
- Buy and return reused toner cartridges
- Encourage use of reusable mugs and silverware
- Select products that use minimal packaging
- Reuse packaging materials
Organics
- Provide vermicomposting bins for indoor use
- Grasscycle lawn trimmings
Recycling Programs
Paper is by far the largest portion of the recyclable waste stream for most offices, and so it makes sense to begin any recycling program with paper products. Depending on the vendor, different types of paper will be accepted, so it will be important to research the options and educate staff. After that plastics make up the next largest portion -- they can normally be commingled with metals and glass, but it is very important to educate staff as to what is acceptable and what must be put in the trash. Metals, Glass, and Plastic (MGP) recycling programs tend to have the most difficulty avoiding contamination.
Composting Programs
Organic materials represent the second largest portion of the typical office waste stream -- this includes food scraps, as well as landscape trimmings. Food waste is traditionally more difficult to divert than grass and leaves, but many corporate cafeterias have partnered with non-profit food recovery programs to deliver leftover edible food to those in need with no added costs. For food waste that cannot be recovered, indoor vermicomposting bins are a way to quickly decompose small amounts of material with minimal effort. Outdoor aerobic compost piles can handle larger amounts of food service waste, but require regular maintenance for proper decomposition. The simplest option may be a local compost collection service -- depending on vendor policy, it may be possible to commingle food waste and landscape waste.
RATIONALE
A 2006 California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) study found that only 7% of waste from office buildings is currently diverted -- 99% of which are paper products -- and it is estimated that another 47% of total waste could be easily diverted with basic collection programs.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Most of the actions listed are simple to implement and can be done with minimal upfront cost. A comprehensive waste characterization study and diversion program would take much more time and effort.
BENEFIT
- Reduce procurement and disposal costs
- Improve office morale by encouraging waste saving ideas
RISKS
- Staff and management do not buy-in
- Staff cannot properly sort materials and they are rejected by hauler
ACTION AGENTS
- Waste reduction champion
- Facility manager
- Upper management
- Staff on a day-to-day basis
Waste disposal sites for solid waste from human activities.A mixture of decayed plants and other organic material that is used to enrich soil with nutrients.The collection, reprocessing, marketing, and use of materials that were diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream.The overall flow of waste from consumers to a landfill, incinerator, or other disposal site.
