FOCUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE ADJUSTMENT
As workplaces prepare for reoccupation, the role of waste management experts is more important than ever
to help customers navigate uncharted territory and meet their environmental waste targets, reports Sara Bean
Over the past year, as the majority
of o ice sta remained at home,
the local authority o icer group ADEPT
asked local councils to complete waste
impacts surveys to chart the changing
status of waste services across England
and the continuing impacts of COVID-19(1).
According to the week commencing 15th
March 2021, 71 per cent of responding
authorities highlight a lesser-than-usual
level of collected commercial waste.
Given this unprecedented fall in the level
of collections, as the economy opens up,
businesses will need to completely reassess
their waste/recycling needs, especially
as o ice occupancy will in all probability
remain low. But Jack Yarrow, Regional
Sales Manager at Grundon(2) says the more
blended approach to home/o ice working is
something for which the waste management
company is prepared.
“We’ve already been having conversations
with our customers about how we can tailor
28 MAY 2021
our services to meet those changing needs,
o ering increased flexibility and solutions
that will work best for everyone.
“For example, we’ve used the quieter
times to look at route optimisation. It
makes sense that if volumes of waste to be
collected are lower than pre-pandemic, we
should be re-evaluating our waste collection
schedules to ensure maximum e iciency
and make sure customers receive optimum
value for money.”
Xavier Aragon, Head of Integrated Facilities
Management, Veolia UK(3) feels that this
could be a good time to make changes to
the waste and recycling systems to enhance
both sustainability and a lower carbon
footprint.
“Reassessment of waste streams looking
at improvements to existing streams
and opportunities for new initiatives will
improve segregation and help clients move
their waste up the hierarchy,” he says.
“Improvements could include things like
new and improved signage, clearer systems,
and the review of opportunities for single
use items that are more common now with
COVID precautions. Likewise, consideration
should also be made towards moving
back to sustainable provision albeit in a
likely reduced capacity for the future, as
general ways of working change on a more
permanent basis.
“Consideration should also be made
towards the reduction of bins to suit the new
workplace settings, or to purchase new bins
and improved recycling stations to give a
fresh new look. This will engage with people
as they either return to the workplace or
continue with flexible working in a new
way. Benefits to this will allow for a client
to engage with their sta concerning their
environmental impact.”
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical and
Innovation Manager, Initial Washroom
Hygiene(4) warns that it’s important to
consider that any work-related waste