[CS] 8 principles for better waste management and segregation in the workplace

Waste management is an important part of environmental protection and sustainable development. In the workplace, we can contribute to waste reduction, recycling and proper sorting. In this article, we present 8 principles you should follow if you want to be environmentally friendly and responsible.

1. Plan your purchases and consumption

One of the best ways to reduce waste is to plan your purchases and consumption to minimise unnecessary packaging, packaging and products. Avoid disposable and repackaged products that increase waste. Instead, choose products with long life, recyclable or reusable packaging and eco-certifications. Also try to consume only as much as you need and not waste food, water, energy and other resources.

2. Use your own utensils and packaging

If you buy food or drinks at your workplace, try to use your own utensils and packaging that you can refill and reuse. For example, carry your own cup, bottle, cutlery, bowl or tray. This saves a lot of plastic, paper or polystyrene packaging that would otherwise end up in the bin. If you don’t have the option of using your own utensils, choose food and drinks in recyclable or compostable packaging and sort them properly.

3. Sort waste by type

Sorting waste is a prerequisite for recycling and processing. You should have a variety of bins or waste bags according to type: paper, plastic, glass, metals, bio-waste, mixed waste, etc. Observe the sorting rules and do not put foreign materials in the bins that could contaminate or damage the recyclables. For example, do not put foil wrappers in the paper bin, polystyrene in the plastic bin or ceramics in the glass bin. If you are not sure where a piece of waste belongs, find out or put it in the mixed bin instead.

4. Use recycled and recyclable materials

When choosing the materials you use in your workplace, give preference to those that are recycled or recyclable. For example, use recycled paper, cardboard, envelopes, stationery, packaging and other office supplies. Also try to use materials that can be easily recycled, such as aluminium, glass, plastic or paper. Avoid materials that are difficult to recycle, such as laminated paper, cardboard with film, plastic with metals, or composite materials.

5. Reduce paper and printing consumption

Paper is one of the most commonly used materials in the workplace, but also one of the biggest sources of waste. If you want to reduce your paper and printing consumption, you can follow these tips:

• Use electronic documents and communications when possible, and print only what is strictly necessary.
• Use double-sided printing and set smaller font sizes and margins to save paper.
• Use recycled paper and recyclable inks and toners.
• Use paper multiple times if possible, for example for notes, sketches, drawings or as a backing.
• Sort paper waste properly and use collection points or paper containers.

6. Reuse or donate unwanted items

Before getting rid of an item you no longer need or want, consider whether you could reuse it or donate it to someone who would appreciate it. For example, you can reuse or donate old computers, printers, furniture, clothes, toys, books, magazines, decorations, dishes, tools and other items. This not only reduces waste, but also saves money, resources and space. You can take advantage of different ways to reuse or donate items, such as bazaars, exchanges, charities, collections, swaps, online platforms or social networks.

7. Compost your bio-waste

Bio-waste is organic waste that comes from plant or animal sources, such as food, scraps, husks, wrappers, bones, eggs, coffee, tea, flowers, leaves, grass, sawdust, wool, cotton and more. Bio-waste makes up a significant portion of workplace waste, but can be used as a valuable resource for compost production. Compost is a humus-like substance that is produced from the decomposition of bio-waste in the presence of air, moisture and micro-organisms. Compost is an excellent fertiliser and soil improver that can be used for growing plants. If you want to compost bio-waste at your workplace, you can buy a composter or use the services of composting companies or organisations.

8. Inform yourself and get involved in activities to promote waste management

Last but not least, it is important to inform yourself and get involved in activities to promote waste management. You can learn more about how to manage waste properly, what are the recycling and treatment options, what are the environmental and social impacts of waste, what are the legislative and economic aspects of waste management and what are the latest trends and innovations in this field. You can also get involved in various activities to promote waste management, such as awareness-raising campaigns, training, workshops, competitions, surveys, volunteering events, projects, initiatives, cooperation or partnerships with other organisations, institutions or bodies involved in waste management.