Waste Management Tips For Retail Stores And Supermarkets

Retail stores and supermarkets often have more waste than any other business. With product packaging, leftover produce and everything in between heading for rubbish, it is no surprise that waste management is big business in retail. We already know why waste management should be a priority for businesses, but how can retail stores and supermarkets effectively tackle this growing problem? From recycling equipment to encouraging customers to shop more efficiently, here are a few tips to help retail stores and supermarkets improve their waste management.

  • Start A Product Recycling Scheme

Innovative programmes that encourage customers to recycle products are great for businesses of all shapes and sizes. A product recycling scheme can reduce your business’s waste footprint and improve customer perception. A great example of a product recycling scheme is Adidas, who began a shoe-recycling scheme in Brazil in 2012. Customers were encouraged to bring back old shoes to an Adidas store, in return for a small discount off a new pair. Adidas recycled the old shoes and used the materials to create energy to power cement kilns. Not only did they reduce their carbon footprint, but they also kept excess waste out of landfill and improved customer satisfaction.

  • Donate Food Waste

Supermarkets and food retail are the biggest producers of food waste in the UK. You can help to cut down on the amount of food going to waste from your business, by donating perishable items to those in need. By repurposing food surplus that would usually be thrown away, you can not only help your waste management but feed hungry mouths. Studies have shown that if just 25% of food waste was donated, 870 million people could be fed. If donating food waste isn’t an option, then look into storing and composting perishable goods instead of sending it to landfill. Waste management companies may be able to organise composting bins for your business.

  • Buy Used Recycling Equipment

Recycling equipment comes in many different shapes and sizes, and each type of waste recycling equipment can help improve your waste management. If your business is producing a lot of cardboard, plastic or paper waste, then look for recycling equipment for sale that is suited to these materials. Waste material recycling machines can reduce the volume of your waste, giving you more space for storing it between collections or trips to the recycling centre. For many businesses, buying used recycling machinery is a great way of investing in the right equipment without breaking the bank.

  • Cut Down On Packaging

One of the biggest waste problems for retail stores and supermarkets is excess packaging. Most recycling equipment at a supermarket is getting filled with product packaging which could have been easily avoided. If your business offers a home delivery service, reduce the amount of excess packaging you use to send products and choose recyclable materials. Ask your suppliers to minimise the amount of packaging they are using as well or look specifically for suppliers that are conscious with their packaging choices. 

For more tips and advice on improving your waste management, get in touch with our expert team. We can help you find the right used recycling equipment for your business and offer guidance on the most effective ways to handle your business waste.