Managing waste responsibly is essential for reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and supporting the transition to a circular economy. Waste that ends up in landfill or is incinerated contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and biodiversity loss. For businesses, improving waste management can lead to cost savings, greater efficiency, compliance with environmental regulations, and enhanced brand reputation — especially as customers, investors, and regulators increasingly expect sustainable practices.

To reduce waste, businesses should begin by identifying and categorising the types of waste they produce — such as packaging, food, office materials, or production by-products. They can then apply the waste hierarchy: prioritising waste prevention, followed by reuse, recycling, and finally responsible disposal. This may involve switching to reusable or recyclable materials, improving inventory management to avoid overproduction or spoilage, and eliminating single-use items where possible.

Engaging employees in waste reduction efforts, providing clear signage and separation systems, and working with responsible waste contractors are all key to success. Businesses can also explore opportunities to recover value from waste, such as composting organic materials or finding secondary uses for by-products. Where relevant, they may collaborate with suppliers to reduce upstream waste and design products or packaging with end-of-life in mind.

Do you monitor the waste generated by your organisation, have a plan to maximise reduction, reuse, and recycling, and, where applicable, ensure hazardous waste is managed and disposed of responsibly?

• Waste generated by material and means of disposal
• Information on recovery and recycling programs in place
• Hazardous waste generated by material and means of disposal