Christmas can be the most important time of the year for retailers. In the UK alone, the retail sector averages around £80 billion in sales during the festive period and according to the ONS Retail Sales Index, November and December account for more than 1/5th of the year’s sales.

UNWRAPPING THE PROBLEM

More sales equals more waste and the post-holiday periods such as December and early January are some of the busiest times of the year for waste management companies.

From gift wrapping and packaging to returns, decorations and food waste, changes to the waste production and collection needs of retailers over the festive period can lead to an increased workload for collectors and sorters, resulting in an operational headache.

As retailers become more aware of their environmental responsibilities and aim to meet regulatory targets, more emphasis is also placed on how they can reduce their waste contributions during the festive period. A challenge that is most commonly passed on to waste management companies.

DELIVERING THE SOLUTION

To reduce waste and its environmental impact over the festive period and beyond, waste management companies must work closely together with retailers to develop and implement effective strategies.

Here are 6 ways waste management companies can help retailers reduce the environmental impact of their Christmas waste:

1. WASTE COMPOSITION ANALYSIS

Comprehensive composition analysis can highlight the types and quantities of materials in a retailer’s waste streams over Christmas. This can help waste management companies make informed improvements to waste reduction strategies, such as identifying opportunities to recycle specific materials or optimising collections.

2. OPTIMISING PACKAGING

Waste management companies can work closely with retailers to optimise packaging materials during the Christmas season. This includes minimising excess packaging, using eco-friendly materials, and implementing packaging designs that are easily recyclable. They can also guide recyclability and assist in the proper disposal of packaging waste.

3. EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

Informative campaigns aimed at both employees and consumers can raise awareness about responsible waste management practices during Christmas. This includes information on proper recycling processes, reducing single-use items, and the importance of waste reduction, supported by expertise from waste management companies.

4. SPECIALISED CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS

Waste management companies can work with retailers to provide extended or additional waste collection services during the festive season. They can also add specialised collections for Christmas items, such as toys, electronics and lighting. This ensures that the increased volume of waste generated during busy times is promptly and properly managed.

5. REVERSE LOGISTICS FOR RETURNS

Retailers can develop efficient reverse logistics systems for handling product returns during and after the Christmas season. This will allow them to manage returned items more sustainably, potentially refurbishing or recycling products instead of sending them to landfills.

6. PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

Retailers can prioritise and promote sustainable and eco-friendly products during the holiday season. This can include items with minimal packaging, reusable materials, or products made from recycled content. Waste management companies can support these efforts by ensuring appropriate recycling facilities are available for the packaging materials associated with these products.

LOOKING FOR EXPERT SOLUTIONS FOR RETAIL WASTE AT CHRISTMAS?

Alfred H Knight supports waste management companies through the delivery of first-class sampling and industry-leading composition analytical services. Our expert solutions help organisations build a comprehensive profile of their waste streams, enabling them to make informed improvements to their waste-handling activities.

If you would like to speak to a member of our experienced team regarding your waste streams, head to our contact page today.