For most businesses, excessive waste is a sign of inefficiency or lost profit. Depending on the type of business you operate, there are many opportunities to reduce waste.

Our waste prevention tips for your business outline waste reduction strategies for different work settings in NYC: manufacturing facilities, restaurants, healthcare facilities, retail stores, and the office. Visit waste prevention case studies to see what other NYC businesses are doing.

Here are some tips to get you started:
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle

Reduce

With paper and packaging waste making up the bulk of most businesses’ trash, it makes sense to reduce this waste in your workplace. For more tips, see taking waste prevention to work.

Another good idea is to re-examine purchasing decisions for opportunities to “green” your purchasing practices. Environmentally preferable purchasing can include buying frequently used items in bulk, or placing the responsibility for dealing with distribution packaging on your vendor.

Switching to less-toxic products, or training workers to use and store products more safely, can increase worker safety and health — as well as lessen your business’s liability. Installing energy-efficient or water-conserving appliances or equipment can conserve resources and save money.

Reuse

Leasing rather than purchasing commonly used items is a form of reuse that can save your business money in the long-term.

Investing in reusable or remanufactured items like toner cartridges, dishware, or even oil filters can also save you money. Visit measurement tools to see the cost savings.

You can also reduce your disposal costs by finding a second home for unwanted scrap, equipment, or furniture through an online waste exchange, or by donating items to local nonprofit organizations.

Recycle

All NYC businesses are required by law to recycle through arrangement with a private carter. Which materials are designated for recycling depends on your type of business.

Recycling other commonly used items such as toner cartridges, batteries, or pallets also makes good business sense. Visit recyclers and vendors to find local providers of alternative recycling services.

Buying products made with recycled content, or using recycled content as a feedstock for your product or its packaging conserves natural resources, creates good public relations, and can reduce purchasing costs.