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Waste Prevention Checklist
Even small changes in your day-to-day activities can make a big difference in the amount of solid waste that your organization generates—and in its bottom line. Below is a list of suggested waste prevention strategies that employees can easily implement. You may want to tailor this list to be more specific to your organization and circulate it among your employees.
In the Office...
- Print and copy only what you need
- Make double-sided copies
- Post or route internal memos
- Use e-mail or voice mail
- Use scrap paper for internal memos
- Proof documents on screen
- Replace cover sheets with fax-it notes
- Store information on computer disks
- Reuse file folders: fold them in reverse or put on new adhesive
labels
- Reuse envelopes, boxes, and packaging materials
- Donate old magazines to hospitals or nursing homes
- Shred old newspapers and reuse for packaging
- Route and share newspapers and magazines
- Print addresses directly on envelopes instead of using labels
- Mail items in the smallest envelopes or boxes they will fit
in
- Remove your name from unwanted mailing lists
- Reuse paper clips, rubber bands, and clamps
- Use mechanical pencils and refillable pens and tape dispensers
- Use overheads or chalkboards instead of handouts for presentations
- Return unneeded supplies to the supply room
- Share other waste prevention ideas with your supervisor
In the Cafeteria...
- Bring your own mug or cup for beverages
- Bring your lunch in reusable containers or bags
- Be sure not to throw away any reusables (e.g., silverware, trays)
- Take only as many napkins and plastic utensils as you need
- Donate unused prepared food to local food recovery programs