Plastic Waste & Recycling Guide for Businesses: Steps to Reduce and Recycle Effectively
When was the last time you had a long walk along the beach side? If you did, you would have probably noticed more plastic than seashells, with a plethora of volunteers clearing the plastic. This is the reality in many parts of the world today, where plastic pollution has reached an alarming level.
Global plastic production continues at an astonishing pace, yet a staggering amount ends up as waste, significantly contributing to environmental degradation. Every minute, over 2 million plastic bags are used worldwide, highlighting the scale of the issue. In the UK, less than 10% of everyday plastic and only 52.5% of all plastic packaging is recycled, revealing a significant gap in sustainable waste management.
Plastic pollution has a profound impact on marine life and ecosystems, with plastic materials like bottles taking up to 450 years to decompose. If current trends continue, plastic waste could outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050.
For businesses, addressing this issue is not just an environmental responsibility but also a strategic move to align with increasing regulatory demands while improving operational efficiency. This guide provides actionable steps and insights to help businesses enhance their recycling efforts and make a positive impact on the environment.
The Importance of Plastic Recycling
Recycling plastic is not just an environmental imperative but also a practical strategy for business sustainability. Understanding the benefits of plastic recycling can help companies make informed decisions that support both the planet and their bottom line.
Environmental Benefits
- Conservation of Resources
- Prevention of Pollution
- Reduction of Landfill Waste
Recycling one ton of plastic can save up to 5,774 kWh of energy, reducing the demand for new, raw materials. By turning old plastic into new products, businesses can play a crucial role in cutting down the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans.
Plastic waste has a devastating impact on marine life and contributes to large-scale environmental issues, such as the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Zac Goldsmith, the British Minister of State for the Pacific and the Environment, poignantly remarks,
“Of all the waste we generate, plastic bags are perhaps the greatest symbol of our throwaway society. They are used, then forgotten, and they leave a terrible legacy.”
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that between 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic are polluting our oceans. Businesses can help mitigate this by implementing effective waste management and recycling strategies.
With effective recycling processes, the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills can be significantly reduced. This not only helps conserve land but also minimises the environmental hazards associated with landfill sites.
Contribution to the Circular Economy
The circular economy model emphasises keeping resources in use for as long as possible through practices like recycling. By integrating recycling into their operations, businesses can help close the loop of product lifecycles through greater reuse of materials, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact and enhancing sustainability.
In this regard, Lesley Griffiths MS, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, highlights the strides being made in Wales:
“The moratorium on large-scale energy from waste and the upcoming consultations on plastic packaging and deposit return are a clear statement of our intent. Collectively they show how we are taking action to make the circular economy a reality in Wales by keeping resources in use and avoiding all waste.”
This perspective underscores the importance of governmental and business collaboration in fostering a sustainable future.
Economic Advantages
- Energy Savings
- Job Creation
Recycling plastic consumes approximately 66% less energy than producing new plastic from virgin materials. This substantial energy saving can translate into cost reductions for businesses, making recycling both a sustainable and economically sensible practice.
Investing in recycling processes can spur job creation in the recycling industry. This growth can lead to new opportunities for local communities and foster a more sustainable economy.
Actionable Steps for Effective Plastic Waste Management
This guide aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their plastic waste more effectively. Here are some steps to consider:
- Assess Your Plastic Usage: Understanding the types and amounts of plastic used in your operations is the first step towards effective waste management.
- Implement Segregation: Separate different types of plastic at the source to improve the efficiency of recycling processes.
- Choose the Right Recycling Partner: Partner with reputable recycling facilities that can handle commercial plastic waste effectively.
- Educate Your Team: Ensure that all team members are aware of the importance of recycling and know how to properly handle and segregate plastic waste.
- Innovate: Consider alternatives to single-use plastic and invest in sustainable materials for packaging and operations.
- Monitor and Improve: Regularly review your recycling processes and seek ways to increase the percentage of plastic recycled.
To effectively manage your plastic waste, it is important to choose the right recycling partner. At Landfill Alternatives, we offer a range of equipment specifically designed to handle commercial plastic waste efficiently such as our plastic balers, which can help your business align with environmental regulations while improving operational efficiency.
Common Plastic Waste Sources for Businesses
Understanding where plastic waste originates within a business is crucial for effective management and recycling. Different sectors produce varied types of plastic waste, reflecting their unique operational practices.
What is plastic waste?
Plastic waste consists of all discarded plastic materials, including packaging, containers, and single-use items such as bags and straws.
These materials present substantial environmental risks since they are non-biodegradable and can remain in the environment for several hundred years.
Types of Plastic Waste Generated by Businesses
Businesses across all sectors deal with common categories of plastic waste, including:
Packaging Materials
Packaging materials represent a significant source of commercial plastic waste. This category includes everything from shrink wrap and pallet covers used in shipping and logistics to plastic mailers that protect goods during transit and product containers that line the shelves of supermarkets and stores. These materials are often designed for single use and are disposed of as soon as packages are opened, leading to a substantial accumulation of waste.
Food Service Items
The food service industry is notorious for its reliance on single-use plastics. Items such as cutlery, plates, straws, and takeaway containers are used in enormous quantities across cafes, restaurants, and takeaway outlets. These products provide convenience but pose a significant environmental challenge due to their disposability and the volume at which they are consumed.
Office Waste
Office environments may not first come to mind when thinking of significant plastic waste producers, but they too contribute to the issue. Common office waste includes stationery items like binder clips, plastic folders, and disposable pens. While individually these items are small, collectively they add up, especially in large office settings.
Steps to Reduce and Recycle Plastic Waste
Reducing and recycling plastic waste requires a structured approach tailored to the specific needs and capabilities of each business. Here’s how companies can start making a difference:
Step 1: Conduct a Plastic Waste Audit
Begin by assessing the volume and types of plastic waste your business generates. Conducting a thorough waste audit could involve:
- Identifying Major Waste Sources: Pinpoint where most of your plastic waste comes from.
- Sorting by Type: Differentiate between types of plastics, such as PET, HDPE, and PVC, to understand recycling requirements.
- Quantifying Waste: Measure the amount of plastic waste produced to set realistic reduction and recycling targets.
Landfill Alternatives can also provide a free on site audit to assess the perfect solution for your individual needs
Step 2: Reduce Plastic Use
Explore alternatives to reduce the amount of plastic used within your operations. When this would come in handy is when your business starts aligning with environmentally conscious consumers, and that opens your business to a huge audience range.
Switch to compostable or biodegradable packaging where possible or replace single-use plastics with reusable items made from glass, metals, or sustainable plastics. It is even advisable to opt for suppliers who prioritize sustainable packaging and practices.
Step 3: Implement a Recycling Programme
A well-detailed recycling programme can significantly improve your business’s operational sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations. Setting up a successful recycling programme involves:
- Collection Points
- Staff Training
- Partner with Recyclers
To make your recycling efforts truly effective, it’s essential to get the basics right. Start by setting up designated recycling areas within your business premises. These collection points serve as central hubs where employees can deposit their recyclables, making the process as easy as possible.
Next, don’t underestimate the power of education. Regular staff training sessions are crucial. They help everyone understand the importance of recycling and how to segregate waste correctly, ensuring nothing recyclable ends up in the wrong bin.
Finally, forging strong partnerships with local recycling facilities is key. These collaborations ensure that your plastic waste is processed responsibly and efficiently, helping to close the cycle and make a real impact on reducing waste.
Step 4: Invest in Plastic Balers/Compactors
Investing in waste balers and compactors can significantly improve the efficiency of your recycling processes. By compacting plastic waste, you not only enhance space efficiency, requiring less storage space and thus easing onsite logistics, but also boost transportation efficiency.
This is because compacted waste reduces the volume of material transported to recycling facilities, potentially lowering transport costs. Additionally, compact and baled plastics are more desirable to recyclers, thus improving your recycling rates and outcomes.
At Landfill Alternatives, we offer a variety of cutting-edge technologies designed specifically for managing and compacting plastic waste. Our range of waste balers and compactors is engineered to handle different volumes of waste, catering to businesses of all sizes.
If you’re looking to manage a small amount of office waste or large quantities of packaging material, Landfill Alternatives has a solution that can be tailored to your needs. Our Large Plastic Baler and Large Horizontal Plastic Baler will make your recycling process more effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient.
- LFA 500HD – Large Plastic Baler
- Perfect for high volumes of plastic. The LFA 500 HD is our largest plastic vertical baler, capable of producing bales up to 500kg in weight (mill size). It is an ideal solution for businesses handling large quantities of plastic waste.
- LFA 450 H.FE.PC – Large Horizontal Plastic Baler
- Perfect for very high volumes of plastic. The LFA 450 H.FE.PC is a powerful solution for industries dealing with substantial plastic waste. Unlike vertical balers, horizontal balers allow continuous feeding, significantly improving throughput and efficiency.
How Does Plastic Recycling Work?
Understanding the process of plastic recycling could be helpful for businesses that are planning to enhance their sustainability practices and make informed decisions about waste management.
The journey of recycling plastic from waste to reusable material involves several critical steps
- Collection: Plastic waste is collected from various sources, including business premises, public recycling bins, and community drop-off centres.
- Sorting: At recycling facilities, plastics are sorted by type and colour. This step is crucial because different types of plastic have different recycling processes.
- Cleaning: Sorted plastics are washed to remove impurities such as food residue, adhesives, and labels, which could compromise the quality of the recycled product.
- Shredding: Clean plastics are shredded into small pieces. These shredded fragments make it easier to process the plastic in the subsequent steps.
- Melting and Reshaping: The shredded plastic is melted and then formed into pellets, which serve as raw materials for manufacturing new products.
- Manufacturing: These pellets are shipped to manufacturers who melt them again to produce new plastic products, completing the recycling loop.
Benefits for Businesses Using Recycled Plastic Products
Recycled plastic products offer several advantages for businesses:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Products made from recycled plastics are often less expensive than those made from virgin materials due to lower raw material costs.
- Quality: Advances in recycling technology have improved the quality of products made from recycled plastics, making them comparable to new products in performance and appearance.
- Market Appeal: Offering products made from recycled materials can enhance a business’s appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Plastic Waste Regulations in the UK
With predictions that plastics could outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050, the UK has implemented stringent regulations to manage and reduce plastic waste effectively.
The UK government has introduced several key legislations and initiatives to curb plastic waste:
- Plastic Packaging Tax
This tax incentivises businesses to use recycled material in plastic packaging. It applies to plastic packaging produced in or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR schemes require producers to be responsible for the collection, recycling, and disposal of plastic products once they become waste.
- UK Plastic Packaging Regulations
These regulations aim to reduce the use of single-use plastics and increase the rates of recycling.
Why Compliance Matters for Businesses
Compliance with plastic waste regulations is not only a legal obligation but also offers significant benefits:
- Avoiding Fines: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties, impacting a business’s financial health.
- Corporate Sustainability: Adhering to regulations enhances a company’s sustainability profile, which can attract investors, customers, and top talent who prioritize environmental responsibility.
- Competitive Advantage: Businesses that proactively comply with environmental regulations often gain a competitive edge in their industry by leading in sustainability.
Benefits of Recycling for Businesses
Recycling is good for the planet, and beneficial for businesses themselves. You can include strong recycling strategies or discuss ideas, companies can enjoy economic benefits and enhance their reputation in the market.
Economic and Reputational Advantages
Including recycling practices can significantly reduce waste disposal costs. By recycling materials like plastic, businesses can lower their expenditure on raw materials by reusing recycled products. Additionally, using less plastic can lead to reduced costs associated with waste management and disposal fees.
Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and tend to favour companies with sustainable practices. By actively engaging in recycling, businesses can strengthen their brand image, attract more customers, and improve employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Companies known for their green initiatives are often seen as industry leaders, which can lead to increased market share.
Contribution to Environmental Goals
Recycling plastic waste plays a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of business operations. It helps conserve natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from production processes, and decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Attracting Eco-Conscious Customers
By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, businesses can attract customers who prioritize environmental responsibility. This can open up new markets and customer bases, particularly among younger demographics who are highly influenced by corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.
- Meeting CSR Objectives
Many companies have formal CSR objectives that include environmental stewardship. Recycling and reducing plastic waste are tangible ways that businesses can contribute to these goals, demonstrating their commitment to a sustainable future.
Make a Sustainable Change Today With Landfill Alternatives
Don’t let your business be part of the plastic problem. It’s time to take action and make significant changes to how your business handles plastic waste. Start by assessing your current plastic usage, setting up a targeted recycling programme, and collaborating with expert waste management services to optimise your processes.
At Landfill Alternatives, we offer a range of tools to help your business efficiently manage and recycle waste. From plastic balers to compact waste materials for easier recycling to advanced waste compactors designed to improve your operational footprint, we have the solutions you need.
If you’re unsure which tool would best fit your business needs, why not take advantage of our free, no-obligation on-site audit? Our experts are here to guide you based on your specific waste collection and recycling requirements.
Ready to take the next step in your recycling journey? Call us today at 01295 816 733, or request a callback. Learn more about how we can assist you in keeping our environment clean and your business sustainable. It’s time for action.
