Implement better Waste Management Practices

Cost
LOW
Cost
MEDIUM
Cost
HIGH
EFFORT
low
EFFORT
medium
EFFORT
HIGH
IMPACT
low
IMPACT
MEDIUM
IMPACT
HIGH
Main Points to implement:
  • Integrate waste management in your sustainability policy
  • Conduct a waste audit to identify new opportunities for waste reduction and cost saving. As a rule of thumb, it can easily reach about 60% of the annual cost of general waste. (Rémi Césaro)
  • Verify that your waste contractors are properly licenced to handle the type of waste you generate
  • Make a commitment to thrive towards Zero waste and share the message with your staff

Follow Standards and Get Certified:

A certification is a confirmation by a third party that a company complies with a standard of reference. A certification on waste management performances proves that the company is taking action to minimise its environmental impacts & helps to put in place strong processes. A certification can also be a useful marketing tool for companies that want to push their sustainability agenda.

A standard is a set of rules that defines a framework in which a company should operate. There are several standards in Singapore and internationally that frame practices around waste management for different facilities or different waste stream. A company should therefore follow the standard(s) that fits its requirements.

More and more standards exist nowadays and they are all different. However, despite the diversity of standards, it is important to know that not all of them are equally recognized (see below additional resources).  It may therefore be interesting to get advice from a specialist (see below suppliers).

Involve all stakeholders:

Green Teams, facility managers and operation managers should ally forces to provide data, define an adapted strategy for waste system and build a business case for winning senior management support. See our starter kit and Engaging People on a sustainable journey page for ideas.

Share your strategy and Results:

Unlike energy, waste is a tangible asset and easy to comprehend for staff. Be transparent and describe how discards are reused and recycled.

Monitor and Improve:

Continuously monitor results of your improved waste system, correct wrong practices, set higher targets annually. Ask the help of a professional if need be.

60%-70%

is an achievable recycling rate if you operate efficient recycling schemes for paper, glass, cardboards, cans and toner cartridges.
(WRAP UK)

30%

decrease in waste should be achieved by Singapore before 2030 to extend Semakau landfill’s lifespan beyond 2035.
(CNA)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Environmental Management system includes waste management. Some standards and certifications for waste management are:

  • ISO 14001: BSI produced the world’s first environmental standard, BS 7750 now ISO 14001.
  • UL2799 Zero Waste to Landfill: Certification for businesses that can achieve at least 90% diversion rate from landfill and certification.
  • GBCI TRUE Zero Waste (U.S. Green Building Council Inc): Certification for businesses that can achieve at least 90% diversion rate from landfill and certification and incorporate Zero Waste principles in their business management and operations (such as procurement policies, leadership in circular economy...).