WasteWise@Work

Quick Waste Prevention Tips for Most Businesses Reducing paper usage and reducing packaging/shipping materials are two waste prevention opportunities that most businesses can implement easily and effectively. Reducing Paper Use: Use both sides of the page. Draft reports can be printed on the back of paper that has been used once. Set aside such paper for printers and copy machines. Make double-sided photocopies. Print only the number of copies necessary. Limit the distribution of correspondence and reports to only those who really need hard copies. Route one hard copy to several readers. Use electronic mail or bulletin boards for sending and receiving information. Reducing Packaging/Shipping Materials Eliminate unnecessary layers of packaging. Ask suppliers to take back pallets or switch to more durable pallets that can be reused. Investigate other reusable packaging, such as boxes. Reuse received boxes and packaging for outgoing shipments. Shred or crumple waste paper for use as packing material.

Studies have shown that customers, employees and the public regard businesses that implement waste reduction programs more favorably than businesses that do not, particularly when these actions are voluntary. By presenting yourself as a leader in waste reduction, you'll encourage other companies and people to do the same. And you'll likely save money too!

To learn about other businesses that have participated in the Wastewise@work program, view our newsletters.

Commercial Directory

View the Commercial Directory for a list of companies and organizations that accept various commercial materials for disposal, reuse or recycling, as well as recycling tips specific to the following industries:

• Offices
• Construction and Demolition
• Food Service
• Automotive Repair

Do you have an item that you consider trash, but wonder if it could be another businesses treasure? For more information, visit the Recycling Council of BC website or view information in our Commercial Directory.

How do I reduce waste at work?

Do you want to start a recycling program at work?   Do you want to waste less and lower your operating costs?

Follow these steps to help initiate a successful workplace waste reduction program.

Quick Steps to Get You Started:

1. Put someone in charge
   A team leader, committee or dedicated individual can oversee the following steps to get the program going and keep it going.
   
2. Find out what's in your garbage
   Take a look at what materials are entering your waste stream and determine if any of them could have been eliminated at the source, reused, or recycled instead.  Link to Assessing Your Waste
3. Check for reduction or reuse opportunities.
   Talk to your purchaser to see if some items that are being turned to waste could be avoided at the source. Investigate reuse possibilities too (see www.bc.reuses.com ).
   
4. Organize pick-up or delivery of your recyclables
   Arrange to have someone deliver recyclables to the nearest depots, or hire one of the following private companies to take it for you:
   
   • 1-877-Garbage 1-877-427-2243
   • 1-800-Got Junk 1-800-468-5865
   • Affordable Trash All (250) 860-4041
   • BFI Canada (250) 765-0565
   • For Less Disposal (250) 878-4998
   • Get It Gone Rubbish Removal (250) 860-8033
   • Kelowna Junk Removal (250) 718-0992 
   • Lexco Recycling Services (250) 868-9465
   • Metro Materials Recovery (250) 491-2242
   • OK Rubbish Removal (250) 215-4499
   • Orchard Valley Disposal (250) 868-2424
   • Planet Waste Recovery Inc. (250) 862-2467
   • Recycle Russ (250) 864-1969
   • Smithrite Disposal (604) 529-4030
   • SuperSave Disposal 1-800-665-2800
   • Valley Pro Recycling (250) 717-6056
   • Waste Management (250) 861-8788
     
5. Design a program that works
   Once you've figured out what can be collected and by whom, decide where to place collection bins and how they will be emptied. Keep the program simple and convenient to ensure participation from all employees.
   
6. Educate staff
   Your employees need to know how to participate in the program. Posters with simple graphic instructions and a strong communication program are key to success.
   
7. Start the program
   Have a meeting, or host a special kick-off event such as a luncheon or even a party to launch the program. Invite your clients.
   
8. Monitor and expand the program
   Make sure the program is working, that recycling bins are emptied regularly and not being contaminated with garbage, and that questions or concerns are addressed promptly. Be flexible and make changes to the program as needed. Communicate to everyone involved.
   
   You can also view the Commercial Recycling Directory for recycling program tips specific to the following industries:
   • Offices
   • Construction and Demolition
   • Food Service
   • Automotive Repair

Toot Your Own Horn Have you successfully implemented a waste reduction program at work, or made improvements to an existing program? Would you like to share your story with other businesses?  We'd like to hear from you. Email us at recycle@cord.bc.ca.

Newsletters

View WasteWise@Work newsletter for handy tips and information  

Participating Businesses

The businesses and organizations listed below are some of those which have participated in the WasteWise@Work program.  Hats off to all those who are making a difference in the workplace.  Click to view the full list of Central Okanagan businesses and groups that are participating in the Wastewise@work program.