A question of waste

WASTE MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE
Measuring waste management performance means establishing metrics against which progress can be judged. Over half the FMs surveyed this year revealed there is an expectation that good waste management will deliver improved environmental performance, whereas nearly a quarter stated there was an expectation that cost savings should be felt on the bottom line.

Is there an expectation within your organisation that a good waste management service…

The survey also found that over a third of facilities managers believed the inability to engage with staff about the need to recycle presented the biggest obstacle. Yet 38 per cent said implementing employee education and engagement programmes on the topic of waste would help promote it within their organisations. Other significant barriers include physical restrictions, such as lack of space on site for the storage of bins and compactors, and lack of resources, an adequate budget or staffing levels.

What are the biggest barriers to improving waste and recycling performance in your organisation?

What would help you to promote waste management in your organisation?

Influencing hearts and minds seems to be the key to success here. As Lucy Hind explained: “I think this is aligned to perception, from my own personal experience and the discussions I’ve had. I was told that staff did not believe that when they segregated different waste streams that recycling happened, and that all waste collected was all put into a waste disposal vehicle together, and no recycling was undertaken. This showed to me that there is a lack of education within organisations, and it became very apparent that businesses need waste champions and great communication to ensure they succeed.”

Ian Wade suggested: “Presenting a breakdown of recycling figures floor by floor or department by department may encourage greater ownership, for example. It could inspire wider engagement and create appetite to get involved and improve performance.”

CONCLUSION
Pressure on FMs to implement efficient waste management and recycling programmes is increasing, and as this survey suggests, businesses must look to companies who can support them in advancing their resource management plans and services.

This is why the guarantee of a quality service provided by a waste management supplier tops the list of considerations this year, replacing compliance. However, the provider’s knowledge of waste management legislation and compliance with relevant regulations is also key, along with the cost of collection and disposal and the provider’s commitment to environmental issues.

For more information on the results of the survey, as well as advice on managing costs and maintaining effective environmental performance, go to the FMJ website to access the free Facilities Managers’ Waste Management Strategy Kit. You can download the full white paper on the results of this survey, along with an essential 12-step guide to developing a winning waste management strategy.

www.fmj.co.uk/waste-kit