The cost of waste in UK companies is typically 4% of turnover and in many companies it can be as high as 10%.
With waste disposal costs continuing to rise, there is more pressure on businesses to look at the areas where they generate most waste and reduce it.
The benefits to a business are increased turnover through improved resource efficiency. This in turn can help you maintain or improve your competitiveness.
Cardboard waste
Cardboard waste is a major contributor to the contents of most retailers’ bins. You can make savings by using re-usable plastic boxes for deliveries, re-using cardboard and recycling any unusable cardboard.
You can contact your local council for details of contractors who will take cardboard waste.
A small bookshop with three staff made savings of £250 by recycling its cardboard
Plastic/polythene
Plastic and polythene is another significant waste contributor for retailers. Work with your suppliers to reduce or eliminate the use of plastic as much as possible. If goods are being transported in plastic, perhaps suggest the use of plastic crates that can be re-used by the supplier and cut down on your waste.
A clothing retailer with 43 staff saved £8,000 by changing to re-usable packaging, such as plastic tote boxes