Zero Waste Partnership Program

Performing a comprehensive waste audit – tracking and documenting how much and what type of waste you’re generating – is a necessary component of achieving a higher waste diversion rate. Conducting a waste audit will better inform your Zero Waste goals, shedding light on what solutions are working for your building and where there’s room for improvement. Achieving a higher diversion rate saves money on waste collection services, reduces environmental impact, and elevates your business or organization to a higher tier of Partnership.

Composting is an easy way to recycle your organic waste – including food scraps and yard waste – and keep it out of the landfill. Commercial food services are already required to keep food scraps out of the dumpster, and composting provides a disposal alternative that benefits other local organizations. Refer to the Commercial Waste Report Guide for some tips on starting a composting program, and a directory of local composting services. Whether you’re a restaurant facing large amounts of food waste every day, or an office that collects some food scraps at lunch time, composting on any scale is a great way to improve your building’s waste diversion rate.

To check-off this action, your property can incorporate one or several Zero Waste initiatives. Your workplace can host a special materials recycling drive, collecting anything from e-waste to clothing. If your workplace serves as a special materials recycling drop-off location on a regular basis, you have also fulfilled this action. Alternatively, you may choose to donate excess packaged or prepared food, stock, and/or supplies to local organizations on a regular basis.

Implement a sustainable purchasing program that works for your business model. The U.S. EPA has compiled a directory of some of the leading sources of sustainable purchasing guidance, including summary profiles that will help you choose the best framework for your property. Sustainable purchasing allows you to incorporate Zero Waste up and down your supply chain and further integrate your goals with your business model. Besides impacting your waste diversion rate, a sustainable purchasing program can help your business or organization to better understand its spending and develop more responsible buying practices.

Think before you print! At your next meeting, project the agenda on a screen or email a copy in advance, rather than printing copies for everyone. Display your menu in large-print or on screens above the counter, or laminate individual copies for long-term use. Set up online payments for tenants or clients. And of course, if you must print, reuse, or recycle the paper when you’re done! Make the paperless switch whenever possible to fulfill this action and elevate your partnership status.

Redecorating? Look for second-hand furniture, fixtures, and other materials before you buy new. You’ll avoid a pileup of foam peanuts, cardboard, and plastic wrap, and divert gently used products from entering the landfill (and probably save a little cash!). Similarly, you can donate old furniture and fixtures or hold a company garage sale instead of sending unneeded, but still usable, products to the trash.

When bringing in new team members, make sure they’re prepared to commit to your in-house Zero Waste program. Incorporate Zero Waste into training documents and modules so that Zero Waste habits become second nature in the workplace. To encourage participation from your team and patrons long term, implement incentives that align with your goals. For example, vote for a Zero Waste Leader of the Month in your office, or order-in lunch when your workplace hits a major Zero Waste target (just make sure to limit your lunch waste while you’re at it!) You can also incentivize patrons to adopt Zero Waste habits; for example, offer a discount when patrons bring their own reusable bag, or fill up their reusable cup for the price of a small-sized drink.