Going further

The best waste is the waste you don’t generate in the first place. 

You’re probably already sorting the waste at your workplace. Why not take it a step further and reduce your waste. For your business, this means lower waste management costs, more space and a better image for your partners and customers.

Step one: take stock. Where does your waste come from? What do you throw away the most or most frequently? Knowing your waste will make it easier for you to determine your priorities.

Step two: learn from good practices before taking action. To ensure best results, don’t forget to communicate well with your staff and customers.

Here are some quick and easy actions you can take:

• Avoid superfluous items: for every purchase, ask yourself: is it really necessary? And for temporary needs, opt for rental or leasing.
• Avoid waste: you can sell foodstuffs that are nearing their expiration date at a lower price or donate leftovers so that others can benefit from them (as long as you maintain the cold chain). Adapt your purchases as much as possible and include cancellation clauses in your events so that participants can warn you in time if they are not coming.
• Choose reusable items: washable dishes and cutlery, sugar bowls with spouts instead of individual sugar packets, reusable packaging for deliveries, etc.
• Use what you already have available: tap water is drinkable and you can install water fountains that connect directly to it, or even lemonade dispensers (as a temporary offer for events or long-term for your day-to-day use).
• Repair things that break down to extend the life of your equipment: whether it’s IT equipment or furniture, you can either have it repaired or use the parts from two items to repair one. Don’t forget to pay attention to the availability of replacement parts in your equipment contracts.
• Opt for services rather than ownership: for example, you can pay for a customised lighting service rather than buying lamps and bulbs yourself. The supplier then ensures that they use sustainable, easily repairable and dismantlable equipment and you have access to service if there are problems.

Want help to reduce your waste? Ask for a free diagnosis from a professional waste facilitator by writing to recyclepro@environnement.brussels.