Developing and Implementing a Waste Reduction Program

The development and implementation of a waste reduction program is a key element in any environmental management program. An effective reduction program must be based on accurate and current information on waste stream generation, and economical and technically-effective waste reduction techniques. This can be accomplished by establishing procedures to collect information, evaluate options, and identify cost-effective reduction techniques. Once identified, the techniques can then be implemented and become an established part of the facilities management and operation. An approach to developing and implementing a waste reduction program is summarized in Figure 1. This approach can be used by all types and sizes of companies. The first step in developing a program is to establish clear corporate policy. The full commitment from management of time, personnel, and financing, is an extremely important requirement. Lack of this commitment is often one of the most formidable obstacles to waste reduction.