WASTE MANAGEMENT
Sustainablewaste management
Sean Fisher, CEO – Cleaning at OCS UK, on understanding sustainable waste management in cleaning.
Sustainability has become a critical concern for businesses across numerous industry sectors. As more organisations look to enhance their sustainability efforts, the cleaning industry has an important role to play in supporting their environmental journey. One of the key areas where this responsibility lies is with waste management.
The benefits of sustainable waste management
Sustainable waste management can be a difficult challenge. In order to be successful, businesses must take a holistic approach. Efficient waste management strategies, strategies which cover everything from daily refuse removal to secure document and data disposal, can not only significantly reduce a business’ impact on the environment, but it can bring financial benefits too.
Sustainable waste management for cleaning can no longer be seen as a tick-box exercise: it must become engrained within an organisation’s ethos and operations. How can cleaning managers deliver best practices to deliver sustainable waste management for their organisation?
The importance of the circular economy
The efficient and responsible handling of all waste materials plays an important role in creating a circular economy. Unlike traditional linear economic models that follow the ‘take, make, dispose’ approach, a circular economy aims to keep resources and materials in use for as long as possible.
The economic model is one where resources are continuously reused, minimising the need for new raw materials. Research found that implementing circular economy strategies can help reduce carbon emissions by up to 45%. By creating a circular economic model, businesses can drive forwards in their goal to achieving zero landfill status.
Businesses can, and should, design their products and services for longevity, facilitate repair and refurbishment services, and ensure effective and targeted recycling at the end of the product lifecycle. Additionally, partnering with specialist and bespoke companies who specialise in recycling specific materials – such as plastics or cleaning chemicals – can help ensure a smooth transition to the circular economy model.
50 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
At OCS, we work closely with our customers to take a proactive approach towards Net Zero through enforcing eco-friendly practices, encouraging circular economy practises and intelligent waste reduction services. This helps our customers contribute to a circular economic model, minimising our collective environmental impact.
Best practices to deliver sustainable waste management
Cleaning managers understand that their operations generate diverse types of waste, including general refuse, recycling, hazardous chemicals, electronic waste and more. To effectively tackle this, businesses must categorise their waste streams effectively. By conducting a detailed waste audit, cleaning managers will be able to determine the difference between recyclable and non- recyclable items or understanding the impact of certain chemicals. This will help in their efforts for aligning their operations against sustainability targets whilst also ensuring regulatory compliance.
Additionally, businesses can leverage data and technology to transform their approach to modern waste management. Advanced waste tracking systems and analytical data software provide deep insights into waste generation patterns, whilst identifying areas for improvement. For example, Internet of Things sensors can be integrated with ‘smart bins’ to monitor waste levels in real-time, which allows for more efficient waste collection reschedules, helping to reduce the level of CO2
emissions. Disruptive
technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and smart buildings are being integrated into the world of cleaning, and we’re seeing firsthand how these technologies are streamlining core businesses operations and creating effective waste management strategies.
Prioritising waste prevention initiatives, promoting recycling and reuse drives, and leveraging technology and data needs to be of the utmost importance to cleaning managers. By doing so, they can make a substantial impact to their operations, building towards a cleaner and greener future.
www.ocs.com/uk/
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