Waste reviews, policies and action plans
Create a waste management action plan
Once you have carried out a waste review and created a waste policy, you can develop an action plan.
How to create a waste action plan
Start with waste reduction measures that are inexpensive and easy to implement. For example, if you are in an office-based business you could change computer settings so that printing automatically makes use of both sides of paper and encourage staff to use scrap paper as notepads.
Next, consider the information your waste review produced. Take these key steps:
- Identify the areas where there are the highest net costs - for example in the shape of waste disposal costs, energy consumption, packaging waste and raw material wastage.
- Involve employees - talk to staff involved in the activities that produce this waste. Ask them what they think the key problems are and ask for their suggestions for ways to reduce waste.
- Create a shortlist of key ideas.
Once you have decided on a plan, set out targets, objectives, key actions and deadlines for achieving them. Identify who is responsible for implementing each part of the policy. Choose an employee with access to management or a senior member of staff to co-ordinate your waste reduction programme. Make sure you review progress regularly and look for further improvements.
Environmental management systems
If you have an environmental management system, it should have plans, targets and objectives that help you to improve your waste management.
Construction waste management
If you are planning construction or refurbishment work, a site waste management plan (SWMP) can help you forecast what waste you will produce and how you will prevent, reuse, recycle or dispose of it.
In Northern Ireland, SWMPs are not a legal requirement, but clients or funders may still ask for one, and it can support good practice and duty of care checks on carriers and destinations.
Your SWMP should set out who is responsible for waste management, the types of waste you expect, how you will manage them in line with the waste hierarchy, and how you will keep records of waste movements – find out more about SWMP benefits.