How To Optimise Waste Management In A Warehouse

Having a good waste management plan in a warehouse is essential to ensure everything is disposed of appropriately, leaving a clutter-free space to improve efficiency and productivity. 

So, what are the best ways to optimise your waste management process in the light industrial sector?

Separating waste products

It sounds simple but having marked bins, such as ones with different coloured lids to indicate general waste, paper and card, bottles, and plastic, could make a big difference in helping to control your waste problems. 

Place them at accessible points in the warehouse, such as by doors, so that staff can easily reach them. 

The simpler you make the process for employees, the more likely they will adhere to the correct recycling procedures, which makes it considerably easier when all the waste is being collected, as the rubbish from each bin can go in the right truck. 

Train employees

It is a good idea to train employees with regards to your waste management process. Make sure they are given tips on how to handle the waste carefully, and adhere to the correct procedure.

This will improve the efficiency of the company’s waste disposal and means there is less chance of the waste collection needing to be re-sorted.

It is important these days to emphasise the importance of the company’s green practices, so staff are fully on board with its recycling procedures.

Reuse where possible

Although everyone knows the value of recycling, businesses can really help the environment by reusing materials where possible. 

For instance, they can utilise wooden pallets again or use returnable product packaging to encourage customers to send back the materials so they can use them again. This saves on packaging costs, as well as energy expenses. 

Make sure anything that can be reused has a designated area that staff are aware of. Good signage and regular reminders will help encourage this behaviour. 

Though the UK does not make it a legal requirement for businesses to lower their carbon emissions and be more environmentally friendly, some are made to report their activities. 

What’s more, as the UK nears its deadline to reduce carbon emissions by 68 per cent of 1990 levels by 2030, there might be greater pressure for companies to improve their sustainability measures, including their recycling procedures.

Waste management equipment

Having a good waste management procedure involves more than just buying multiple bins.

Depending on the size of your warehouse, you might want to invest in proper equipment that can make your waste far more compact, as this will save space and enable a greater disposal of waste products.

It can also help businesses to determine how much waste or recycled items they are producing, as this could help them to change behaviours in the workplace, whether by encouraging staff to bring in reusable items instead of disposable ones, or improve their recycling and reusing endeavours. 

For more information on How To Optimise Waste Management In A Warehouse talk to UK Shelving Ltd