Retail's main waste stream: packaging & solids

Packaging is a key waste stream for centres and retailers.

You need to be aware of the options available to retailers when setting waste minimisation objectives, as each centre's approach will vary depending on the type of service contract signed by retailers, allocation of responsibility for waste etc.

Ways to reduce packaging and solid waste might include:

• keeping a strict returns policy concerning undamaged and damaged items;
• sending unused/obsolete materials back to the supplier for re-use or recycling;
• returning surplus hangers to the supplier for re-use;
• eliminating unnecessary packaging, eg self-stacking boxes rather than shrink wrap;
• segregating different waste streams to facilitate re-use and recycling.

Encourage the discussion of packaging options with suppliers and distributors.

Click here for case studies of retailers who have made cost savings through reducing packaging.

The importance of segregation

A cost-effective way of reducing waste costs is recycling.

Successful recycling depends on segregation. To achieve this:

1. Encourage all retailers to co-operate in segregating waste for recycling.
2. Provide separate storage systems (eg coloured wheeled bins) for easy segregation.
3. Label all containers clearly with the wastes allowed.
4. Provide clear instructions and training to all staff.
5. Arrange for separated materials to be collected by specialist recycling contractors.
6. Seek options for dealing with food waste, waste fats and cooking oils.

Management of waste storage areas

1. Ensure waste storage is appropriate for the job and is safe and accessible.
2. Label containers clearly with the wastes allowed.
3. Label any hazardous waste.
4. Enclose or cover waste containers to prevent litter.
5. Prevent wash waters and effluents.

Tip: Materials that can be recycled include:

• Waste card and paper
• Polythene
• Metals
• Glass
• Plastic bottles
• Magazines
• Carpet and textiles 
   

Tip: Reduce volume by:

• Baling waste cardboard and plastic sheeting
• Compacting waste going in bulk to landfill/incinerator
• Shredding paper/card for packaging fillers 
  

Savings in action: department store builds on good practice — a case study

A waste review carried out at a department store employing 36 full-time and 24 part-time staff highlighted existing good practice and identified further opportunities for improvement. The store sells a variety of products including travel services, white goods, consumer electronics, fashion goods, houseware, furniture, soft furnishings, carpets and shoes. There is also a food hall, two restaurants and a post office.

Good practice already in place included:

• returns forwarded to suppliers or, for houseware and clothing, sometimes sold at a discount;
• segregation of food waste (red bags) and general waste (black bags);
• minimisation of food waste from restaurants by adopting a sale or return policy for cakes, sandwiches, milk, etc;
• separation of cardboard for recycling;
• re-use of plastic wrappings from clothes and soft furnishings for packing holdalls;
• re-use of spare shoe boxes by local playgroups;
• replacement of used strip lighting with energy-efficient lighting;
• air conditioning maintained every three months;
• lifts/escalators maintained every three months;
• lifts/escalators operated only during opening hours.

Opportunities for further improvements included:

• recycling travel brochures (currently a general waste because too slippery for a cardboard baler and too glossy for paper recycling);
• segregating plastic waste;
• re-using waste carpet samples, shopfittings, etc;
• checking waste disposal/recycling route for waste fats;
• keeping windows closed while air conditioning system is operating;
• making information about energy costs available at branch level to raise awareness.

Case studies
Waste minimisation