FOCUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
swing, along with increasing pressure from businesses
to recycle and improve our understanding on
the topic. Limited support from some waste
management contractors and the current lack
of training and understanding could also be
influencing factors.”
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.
Over half the FMs surveyed
this year revealed there is an
expectation that good waste
management will deliver
improved environmental
Is there an expectation within your organisation that a good
waste management service…
42 JULY 2019
2019
1 will deliver improved environmental credentials 54.46%
2 will save you money 24.26%
3 won’t make a di– erence 8.42%
4 will cost you more money 7.43%
5 will earn you rebates on reprocessing and recycling 5.45%
The survey also found that over a third of facilities managers
believed the inability to engage with sta‡ 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 sta‡ ing levels.
What are the biggest barriers to improving waste and
recycling performance in your organisation?
2018 2019
1 Inability to engage sta– with
the need to recycle (eg lack of
education)
Inability to engage sta– with
the need to recycle (eg lack of
education)
2 Physical restrictions (eg lack of
space for bins, compactors etc)
Physical restrictions (eg lack of
space for bins, compactors etc)
3 Lack of resources (eg budget, sta– ) Lack of resources (eg budget, sta– )
What would help you to promote waste management in
your organisation?
2018 2019
1 Employee education and
engagement programme
Employee education and
engagement programme
2 Evidence that improved segregation
and recycling can save money
Better understanding of the
benefits to your business
3 More information and statistics on
the benefits of recycling
Evidence that improved
segregation and recycling can
save money
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 sta‡ did not believe that when they segregated
di‡ erent 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 e‡ icient 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 e‡ ective
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
FMJ EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Ian Wade, Head of UK Estates, British Medical Association
Lucy Hind, Head of Property, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough
Council
Simone Fenton-Jarvis, Workplace Consultancy Development
Director, Ricoh
Vicky Thorpe, Head of Facilities Management, CLS Holdings
Alan Hutchinson, Facilities Director, Howard Kennedy
performance...”
/waste-kit
