A2X Consulting

How to lower waste disposal costs

The best way to cut waste disposal costs is to reduce the waste generated. A cost-efficient way is to reuse products in their present form. Materials that can’t be eliminated or reused can be recycled to reduce disposal costs. By diverting waste from garbage bins into recycling bins, businesses can reduce their garbage bin size and the frequency of collection. This could reduce garbage collection costs and associated fees on garbage. See this example how recycling saves money. So reduce, reuse and recycle products to lower your waste disposal costs.

A few ideas follow.

Step 1: Reduce, reuse, and recycle writing or printing paper.

A) Print on both sides of the paper.
B) Update your mailing list as regularly as possible.
C) Reuse manila envelopes.
C) Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper. Use scrap paper to take notes instead of using notebooks, company pads, or message pads. Use scrap paper instead of stickies.
D) Instead of making individual copies, circulate memos, periodicals, and reports.
E) Review your document on the screen instead of printing a draft. If you must print a draft, use the blank back side of used paper.
F) Save documents on computer disk instead of making print copies.
G) Reduce all junk mail by 75% by registering for Mail Preferences Service on Direct Marketing Association website.
H) Avoid color printing. Color printing generally uses more ink, so print in black and white when you can.
I) When typing documents, especially drafts, use a smaller font and decrease the spacing between lines, or reformat to keep your document to as few pages as possible, especially when typing drafts.

Step 2: Reduce, reuse, and recycle Packaging and Shipping.

A) Use durable boxes instead of cardboard boxes for shipping to branch offices, stores and warehouses.
B) Reuse foam peanuts and cardboard boxes.
C) Return cardboard boxes and foam peanuts to distributors for reuse.
D) Reuse wooden pallets.
E) Order merchandise in bulk.
F) Request supplier to ship in returnable containers.

Step 3: Reduce, reuse, and recycle equipment.

A) Invest in waste reducing equipment such as copiers that print on both sides of the paper, dishwashing machine and durable dinnerware.
B) Recharge fax and printer cartridges.
C) Use rechargeable batteries.

Step 4: Reduce, reuse, and recycle landscaping waste.

A) Compost grass clippings and leaves.
B) Use compost as manure for your landscape.

Step 5: Reduce, reuse, and recycle personal waste.

A) Use cloth towels, tablecloths and napkins instead of paper products.
B) Use durable dishes, cups and glasses instead of disposable products.
C) Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. But if you do order delivery, join coworkers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones).
D) Use cloth roll towels in restrooms for wiping hands.