Zero Waste at Work
Learn how businesses and organizations can reduce waste and be more efficient.
Commercial food waste services are now available in Bend. Businesses can now have their food waste picked up and taken to the composting facility to get composted. Click here for more information.
Waste is a sign of inefficiency. Think about it. In the natural world, waste doesn't even exist and everything is used. For businesses, reducing waste can save money, increase productivity and allow your organization to become more efficient with your resources, materials, time as well as human resources. Businesses around the world are starting to realize the impacts that waste have on their bottom line.
Getting to Zero Waste for a business usually means a redesign of products and processes to fully account for all waste materials. However, some of the basic things that a business can start with include:
- Recycling all possible materials such as office and mixed paper, plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles, and cardboard.
- Ordering in bulk to reduce packaging and use or offer refillable containers.
- Reusing all packaging to the fullest extent possible before it is recycled.
- Purchasing items that are reusable, recyclable and/or durable.
- Re-thinking printed and paper materials. Double siding all office paper when printing is necessary.
- Purchasing materials that are made with recycled content, such as paper products.
- Composting organic materials such as food waste.
- Plan for events using zero waste guidelines.
- Donating items that can't be reused to thrift stores, salvage yards, food banks, homeless shelters or used equipment stores.
- Offering discounts to consumers for bringing their own items, such as shopping bags or coffee mugs.
Need a jump start on greening your business? Download the Sustainable Business Getting Started Guide to help.
Close the loop with Sustainable Purchasing. Part of heading towards Zero Waste for your business means being very conscientious about what you are purchasing. Find out more about sustainable purchasing here.
