{"id":12863,"date":"2020-04-08T07:35:05","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T21:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edgeenvironment.com\/?p=12863"},"modified":"2020-04-08T08:20:53","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T22:20:53","slug":"the-lockdown-dont-waste-a-golden-opportunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edgeenvironment.com\/us\/2020\/04\/08\/the-lockdown-dont-waste-a-golden-opportunity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lockdown: Don\u2019t Waste a Golden Opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
While the lockdown has some obvious and significant drawbacks, one area where it offers an opportunity is waste management. All those near-empty buildings provide a blank canvas on which a masterpiece can be painted! Below are six opportunities that you could consider.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Back of house upgrades<\/strong> \u2013 waste docks and other back-of-house facilities are usually in constant use, meaning that making improvements can be difficult and disruptive. Why not use the lockdown to review whether new equipment could be added to facilitate new recycling streams such as organics or soft plastics?\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Improve bin design and layout<\/strong> \u2013 current circumstances will only accelerate the shift towards flexible working and hotdesking. Why not ride that wave and use this time to remove out-dated under desk bins in favour of enhanced, centralised waste and recycling facilities?\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Improve signage<\/strong> \u2013 we often find that even the best infrastructure and systems fall down for lack of suitable signage. If you do decide to add new recycling streams and\/or change bin provision, you\u2019ll need to make sure that people know where to find the right bins, alongside unambiguous information on what can\/can\u2019t go in them.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Create education materials and campaigns<\/strong> \u2013 on a similar note, now is the perfect time to step back and make sure that building occupants understand how you\u2019re managing waste in the building. Why not create a learning module, video or downloadable guide to help ensure people know what you\u2019re trying to achieve and what facilities are available to them?\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Engage with waste contractors and cleaning teams<\/strong> \u2013 while things are quieter, you have a great opportunity to work with some of those stakeholders that are critical to successful waste management. Arrange discussions to talk through how cleaning practices could be tweaked to aid diversion rates and consider whether there is scope for greater collaboration with your waste contractor.\r\n\r\n<\/li>\r\n
Waste avoidance through better procurement<\/strong> \u2013 moving up the hierarchy, why not grab a cup of coffee and jump on Zoom with your procurement team and building managers to consider what could be done to reduce the amount of materials coming into the building, and\/or to improve its recyclability.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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