Simpler Recycling at Christmas – Celebrating Sustainably
Christmas represents a boost in business activity for many companies, especially SMEs. However, it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year. British businesses generate 30% more waste over the festive season than during the rest of the year. If not managed properly, this increase in waste can have significant environmental and financial impacts.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
Mismanaged waste isn’t just a problem for the environment; it’s also a problem for your business. Poor waste management can place unnecessary pressure on local systems, damage your brand reputation and bring direct financial consequences. Without a clear understanding of your waste-handling capacity, your business may face higher collection fees, increased waste management costs, and even penalties for non-compliance.
So, how can your business simplify recycling and manage waste sustainably during the festive season? Here are some strategies to get started.
UNDERSTAND YOUR WASTE STREAMS
The first step in improving your waste management activities is understanding what’s in your waste streams.
Over Christmas, the UK generates more than 289,171 tonnes of card packaging waste, 125,000 tonnes of plastic waste, 4,200 tonnes of foil from turkey wrapping and 270,000 tonnes of food waste. You can better prepare for the expected increase by assessing your current waste streams.
Waste Composition Analysis (WCA) is a smart first step in accurately assessing the types and quantities of waste your business will see during the holiday season. WCA builds a detailed profile of your waste streams, helping you identify recyclables and other materials in your bins. With this insight, you can identify trends and find opportunities to reduce waste that could otherwise be recycled or reused.
ASSESS THE VOLUME OF YOUR BINS
If you expect an increase in waste during the festive period, it’s essential to assess whether your bins will have the capacity to handle the extra load. Bin volume analysis looks at the capacity of your waste and recycling bins, how quickly they fill up, and the types of materials they contain.
This process can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your recycling programs and determine whether additional bins, infrastructure or collections are required to deal with the volume change.
IDENTIFY AND MANAGE FOOD WASTE
The festive season often brings an influx of food waste. Did you know that just one caddy of Christmas food waste is enough to generate the electricity needed to power a television for two hours, or a refrigerator for eight hours? As a business, it’s important to take steps to minimise the impact of food waste.
By combining WCA with Bin Volume Analysis, you can identify opportunities to reduce food waste before and during Christmas. These strategies help separate food waste from other materials, ensuring it’s collected properly and diverted from landfills.
These efforts will prepare your business for the challenges the festive season brings. However, did you know they can also help you align with the government’s Simpler Recycling scheme, which aims to streamline recycling practices across England?
IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR SIMPLER RECYCLING?
Are you one of the 42% of SMEs still unaware that the incoming Simpler Recycling regulations will impact your operations? With new government regulations set to take effect by the 31st of March 2025, non-compliance could result in major disruptions and hefty fines.
The waste management strategies outlined above are a great starting point for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve. However, expert support can ensure you’re fully prepared if you want to take a comprehensive approach.
HOW CAN ALFRED H KNIGHT HELP?
With over 140 years of expertise in materials analysis and extensive experience working with major clients in the waste management sector, Alfred H Knight (AHK) is well-placed to support your business in navigating the upcoming changes. Our experts are available when you need them to prepare for Simpler Recycling at Christmas and beyond.