Five common waste management mistakes that could be costing your business money
Businesses spend considerable time reviewing their overheads, negotiating supplier contracts, and looking for ways to operate more efficiently. Yet one cost that’s often overlooked is what they’re paying to throw things away.
Poor waste management can create unnecessary expenses at almost every stage of a business’s operations, from over-ordering stock and wasting materials to paying for collections that don’t match actual demand.
Below, Graham Flynn, waste management expert and Managing Director of Anenta, shares five common waste management mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
1. Paying to dispose of empty space
“One of the most overlooked costs in business waste management is paying for unused capacity.
“Businesses can reduce costs by monitoring how quickly bins fill up and switching to smaller containers or less frequent collections if they’re consistently only half-full.
Seasonal fluctuations are also important in this regard. For example, retailers may produce more packaging waste at Christmas, while hospitality businesses often see higher demand in summer. Flexible collection arrangements can help accommodate these changes.”
2. Throwing recyclable materials into general waste
“Cardboard, paper, plastic packaging and other recyclable materials make up a considerable proportion of waste in many workplaces. When these materials are mixed with general rubbish, businesses lose the opportunity to have them recycled, and potentially pay more to have them disposed of.
“A common problem is that recycling facilities aren’t positioned where waste is actually being generated. For example, if employees unpack deliveries in a stockroom but the nearest recycling bin is elsewhere, cardboard packaging may end up in general waste.
“It’s also worth speaking to waste contractors about what they can accept, as recycling requirements and collection arrangements can vary depending on the material and location.”
3. Overlooking how much waste is created before it reaches the bin
“Excess packaging, damaged stock, expired products and unnecessary printing can all contribute to waste volumes, particularly in businesses managing large quantities of goods or supplies.
“For example, a company that regularly throws away expired stock may have a purchasing problem rather than a waste disposal problem. Similarly, a business receiving multiple deliveries each week could be generating more packaging waste than necessary.
“Reviewing ordering patterns, stock rotation and supplier packaging can help identify opportunities to prevent waste before it’s created.”
4. Assuming the cheapest waste contractor is the best option
“When reviewing waste management costs, businesses naturally focus on the price they’re being quoted. However, the cheapest collection service isn’t necessarily the most cost-effective option.
“It’s important to understand exactly what’s included in a contract, particularly when it comes to collection frequency, container rental, additional charges and how different waste streams are handled.
“Businesses should also carry out appropriate checks on the companies collecting their waste. Using an unauthorised operator can create serious problems if waste is subsequently handled or disposed of illegally.”
5. Leaving waste management to one person
“Waste management is often treated as the responsibility of a facilities manager or cleaning team, but the decisions that determine how much waste a business produces are made by employees throughout the day.
“If staff don’t understand which materials can be recycled, where waste should go or why certain items need separate handling, even a well-designed waste system can quickly become ineffective.
“Rather than relying on occasional training sessions, businesses should make correct waste disposal as straightforward as possible. Clear signage, consistent bin colours and simple instructions can help employees make the right decisions without disrupting their work.”
Final thoughts
“Waste volumes, collection requirements and disposal costs can all change as a business grows or its operations evolve. Ultimately, the most effective approach isn’t necessarily the one with the fewest bins or collections. It’s the one that gives businesses better control over the waste they’re producing, while ensuring it’s managed responsibly.”
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