More than half of Nashville's waste comes from business and industry. That makes business recycling essential to reducing waste and saving landfill space. Additionally, eliminating wasteful habits, reusing supplies, and recycling your waste can cut down on your business costs too.
Getting Started
The first step in determining how to set up a recycling program or incorporate waste reduction practices is first understanding where you are at by conducting a waste audit. A waste audit will help you identify how much waste you generate at work and how much of it could be reduced, recycled or composted.
Conduct a Workplace Waste Audit:
Best Practices for Conducting a Waste Assessment - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Get Going
Once you know more about your waste generation habits, you can start setting goals and implementing new strategies and workplace policies to reduce waste.
Set Yourself Up for Success
- Create a Zero Waste Team that can be responsible for planning and implementing waste reduction activities
- Identify clear and measurable goals
- Set up a data tracking system to set benchmarks
- Evaluate your program by reconducting your waste audit
- Make adjustments as needed
- Celebrate your successes
Want to take a deeper dive on setting up waste reduction in the workplace? Check out EPA's Guide for Commercial Buildings to Manage and Reduce Waste.
Reduce and Reuse in the Workplace
The best way to reduce your waste is to not generate as much waste in the first place. This can be done by implementing some simple changes in practices, purchases, and use of materials that not only reduce waste, but can create cost and energy savings. A few ideas include:
- Change printer defaults to double-sided printing
- Use multi-cup coffee makers instead of single-cup coffee makers
- Install hand dryers instead of using paper towels
- Make environmentally preferred purchases, such as choosing compostable coffee cups instead of foam cups
- Use vendors that provide take-back programs such as out of date computers
- Source reused furnishings instead of buying new
- Check out the Tennessee Materials Marketplace, and online platform for businesses and organizations to reduce their waste.
Start Composting
Nearly every office or workplace has some form of wasted food, whether it’s related to the service you provide or leftovers from lunch, diverting your food waste from a landfill is an important step in greening your workplace. Once you’ve figured out what makes sense for you and your business, start your compost program at work. Davidson County is home to three great composting companies: Compost Nashville, REGENR8, and The Compost Company.
Recycle Right at Work
Recycling is still a great option for materials that can't be refused or reused. To start a recycling program in your business, check out the 10-Step Action Plan from Recycling at Work. Then, look through our list of Nashville Area Recycling service providers and waste haulers to start making your recycling program a reality! Already have a waste hauler? Great news: All haulers in Davidson County are required to offer recycling services as well, just ask!
Get Certified
Offered through Green Business Certification, Inc., the TRUE certification program enables facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals, cutting their carbon footprint and supporting public health. Visit the TRUE website to learn more about becoming a TRUE certified Zero Waste business.