Planning for 100% waste diversion is an ambitious but achievable goal, and it calls for a coordinated effort across all departments within an organization. A successful diversion plan includes examining current processes, identifying areas of improvement, and developing new strategies for waste management. This article explores how each department can contribute to a 100% diversion plan and what such a plan requires and includes.

Coordinating Across Departments

Warehousing and Distribution

By embracing sustainable packaging, practicing efficient inventory management, and optimizing transportation routes, the warehousing and distribution department can significantly reduce waste and contribute to the diversion plan.

Office (Accounting, Purchasing, IT, HR, Upper Management)

Each of these offices can play a part by minimizing paper use, promoting digital platforms, purchasing responsibly, and endorsing sustainable practices. Upper management’s commitment is crucial to ensure the integration of sustainable practices throughout the organization.

Food Services

Implementing composting programs, reducing food waste, and encouraging reusable utensils and plates can help food services contribute to the diversion goal.

Grounds/Facilities

Employing environmentally friendly maintenance practices, promoting recycling, and using compost from food waste for landscaping are some of the ways the grounds and facilities department can contribute.

Construction

Construction teams can utilize sustainable materials, recycle construction waste, and implement waste-efficient construction techniques.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing can reduce waste through lean production methods, efficient resource use, and the recycling or repurposing of production waste.

Vehicular Maintenance

Vehicular maintenance can contribute by properly recycling and disposing of hazardous waste like motor oil and batteries, and by optimizing vehicle maintenance to reduce waste.

Retail

Retail can participate through reducing packaging, encouraging reusable bags, and implementing take-back programs for products.

Housing and Hospitality

In housing and hospitality, waste can be reduced through linen reuse programs, recycling initiatives, and minimizing single-use items.

Crafting the Diversion Plan

A 100% diversion plan involves several crucial steps:

Reviewing Records and Contracts

A comprehensive review of purchasing records and service contracts helps identify current waste generation sources and can inform better purchasing decisions.

Conducting a Waste Audit

A waste audit will summarize existing systems, manufacturing processes, and material streams, providing a clear understanding of the waste situation and indicating potential areas for improvement.

Tracking Waste

Tracking waste generation, diversion rates, and related costs is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of diversion strategies and identifying areas for further improvement.

Evaluating Internal Policies and Infrastructure

Internal policies, programs, and infrastructure should be evaluated to identify their alignment with the zero waste objective. Necessary changes or improvements should be made to ensure they support waste diversion.

Implementing the Plan

Implementation strategies and policies should be clearly defined, considering economic factors, funding sources, personnel needs, service opportunities, and infrastructure requirements. A timeline with realistic milestones will guide the implementation process.

Continuous commitment to improvement is essential, involving regular review of practices and policies, ongoing employee training, and total participation from all departments. And, importantly, every success along the way should be celebrated! The journey to 100% diversion is a challenging one, and every milestone achieved deserves recognition.

In conclusion, planning for 100% waste diversion requires a coordinated, organization-wide approach. It calls for an extensive review of current practices, comprehensive planning, diligent implementation, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Despite the challenges, the journey towards 100% waste diversion brings numerous benefits for the organization, society, and the planet.