Retail is a demanding sector when it comes to waste disposal, but there are things you can do to ensure you stay on top of reducing and recycling your retail waste. We’ve put together a list of five steps to take to help you manage your retail waste.
#1 Reusable shopping bags
Since the 5p charge was introduced, many customers will bring their own bags when they visit a retail store. If you want to really make an impact, you could also think about offering incentives for reusable shopping bags instead of the standard plastic ones. Large stores such as supermarkets often have places where you can recycle plastic bags too.
#2 Have a policy in place
It’s always wise to educate your staff on what they can do to reduce waste in the workplace but you could even go one step further and have a clear recycling policy displayed at your retail premises. Doing this will also show customers that you’re taking the extra step to reduce your retail waste.
#3 Go digital
Not everything can be paperless, but often retail marketing materials include lengthy catalogues and newsletters. Consider going green and switching to digital options where you can such as e-newsletters and online catalogues.
#4 Buy-back schemes
This is not only a great way to reduce product waste but also gives your retail brand a positive, environmentally friendly image that many customers will appreciate. Where you know you can reuse, recycle or donate old or unwanted products, having a scheme in place allowing customers to trade old for new is a great initiative.
#5 Offending packaging
Excess packaging is a big offender when it comes to managing waste in the retail sector. Where possible, try to minimise the packaging you use when you send products out to customers or try to find recyclable alternatives. Asking your suppliers to do this too will help you cut down on the amount of waste packaging you generate.
Acumen is a leading provider of industrial site services and waste management. Based in Yorkshire, we work at sites throughout the country, providing cost-effective and technically robust waste management solutions. For further information about the services we provide or to talk to someone about a project, please call us today on 0800 118 2165.
