Waste Prevention in the Retail Industry

Click on the items in the superstore below or use the jump links to go to related waste prevention information for this business sector. You can also use the itemized list in the pull-down menu above to go directly to waste prevention tips for particular products or activities that cross various business sectors.

industry profile
waste prevention tips for retailers

Industry profile

New York City, with its “mom and pop” grocery stores, specialty boutiques, and big retail chains, sets the standard for the national retail industry.

According to the New York State Department of Labor  there are more than 299,000 people employed in the retail industry in New York City. Here is a breakdown of the largest employers, by type of establishment:

According to the New York City Department of Sanitation’s NYC Waste Composition Study (1990), general and food retail establishments account for approximately 9 and 11 percent, respectively, of the City’s commercial waste stream. The composition of the waste stream breaks down as follows:

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Waste prevention tips for the retail industry

Well aware that reducing waste will increase profit margins, most retailers are constantly striving to make their business run more efficiently. It is important to recognize that waste prevention is as much about what you buy as what you throw away. For money-saving tips on reducing waste in your operation, check out the topics below:

embracing technology
plastic bag recycling
product packaging
product stewardship
temperature control

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