Garbage Disposal & Sanitation Systems Ltd.
Zero Waste - Paper waste hierarchy
Friday, October 05, 2012
Paper waste reduction follows the typical waste
hierarchy – prevention (reduction), reuse, recycle.
Prevention
• Use both sides of paper. Printers should be
set to double-sided format as the default.
Question whether you need to print draft
copies. Put reminder posters near
printers and photocopiers.
• Reduce the number of desk printers, which are expensive to run and encourage printing.
• If possible, monitor printing levels by giving employees a personal access code to the printer/photocopier.
• Avoid overproduction of marketing and publicity material.
• Use electronic communications where possible to reduce printing and faxing. Ensure that your staff are comfortable with new technology and provide training where necessary.
• If fax machines are necessary, ensure that they do not produce unwanted header or report sheets.
• Encourage staff not to print e-mails unless absolutely necessary. Add reminders on email signatures to avoid printing
• Reduce confidential waste costs by ensuring that the non-confidential paper collection is secure and give clear instructions to staff as to which material is strictly confidential.
• Collect all paper that has been printed on one side and reuse it for printing in draft or for scrap message pads.
• Reduce the number of desk printers, which are expensive to run and encourage printing.
• If possible, monitor printing levels by giving employees a personal access code to the printer/photocopier.
• Avoid overproduction of marketing and publicity material.
• Use electronic communications where possible to reduce printing and faxing. Ensure that your staff are comfortable with new technology and provide training where necessary.
• If fax machines are necessary, ensure that they do not produce unwanted header or report sheets.
• Encourage staff not to print e-mails unless absolutely necessary. Add reminders on email signatures to avoid printing
• Reduce confidential waste costs by ensuring that the non-confidential paper collection is secure and give clear instructions to staff as to which material is strictly confidential.
• Collect all paper that has been printed on one side and reuse it for printing in draft or for scrap message pads.
Prepare for reuse
• Reuse envelopes wherever possible, especially for
sending information internally.
• Donate waste card or paper to your local school or nursery.
• Segregate and shred paper for reuse as packaging infill.
• Donate waste card or paper to your local school or nursery.
• Segregate and shred paper for reuse as packaging infill.
Recycle
• Contact your waste contractor for details of paper
recycling organisations in your area.
• Place paper recycling bins in all offices. A good guide is one bin between six staff. Use paper box lids as additional desk-top collection trays.
• Ensure that cleaning staff are in support of the recycling scheme and that emptying the recycling bins is part of their contracted work.
• Promote the scheme to staff and explain the types of paper that can be recycled.
• Provide staff with ongoing feedback about the scheme, including figures on the amount of paper collected.
• Ensure that warranties are not adversely affected by using recycled paper. There is no valid reason why they should be.
• Close the loop by buying recycled products.
• Place paper recycling bins in all offices. A good guide is one bin between six staff. Use paper box lids as additional desk-top collection trays.
• Ensure that cleaning staff are in support of the recycling scheme and that emptying the recycling bins is part of their contracted work.
• Promote the scheme to staff and explain the types of paper that can be recycled.
• Provide staff with ongoing feedback about the scheme, including figures on the amount of paper collected.
• Ensure that warranties are not adversely affected by using recycled paper. There is no valid reason why they should be.
• Close the loop by buying recycled products.