Jem Hansen Senior Environmental Consultant 360green Tools and techniques for small and medium enterprise (SME) waste reduction and engagement Jem Hansen Senior Environmental Consultant 360green

Overview About SME’s & C&I waste The problem Some programs The opportunity Behaviour change Recommendations "People don’t understand what a recycling bin is! How thick are some of these people?” “Don’t know why there is no recycling, previous managers didn't have it...”

Warning – you will be asked… In one minute or less, what is the biggest success you have had in engaging SME’s on waste management?

About SMEs 1-199 employees Approx 2,000,000 in Australia, 650,000 in NSW1 99.7% of active businesses in Australia1 Employ 70% of Australia’s workforce1 1 SME Australia (incl micro and C&D)

C&I waste In NSW 08/09: 38% of total disposed waste 52% recovery Recovery rate for plastics from C&I waste was only 8%; for wood 16%; for food waste 18%; and for both paper/cardboard and glass 53% 2 The NSW 2014 Waste Strategy recycling target for C&I waste is 63% 2 NSW DECCW 2011, Reducing Waste: Implementation Strategy 2011–2015

The problem Recycling should be a standard behaviour for business, but instead it’s considered optional, something for those who want to ‘do a little more’.

The problem SME’s are Geographically spread Diverse in operations and waste types Time poor Abundant and many are small = difficult to reach and engage

The problem SME’s have a strong financial imperative Waste disposal costs are not high relative to operating budget Perception that improved waste management will increase costs Perception that it’s hard to set up or manage = no motivation

The problem Lack of space for infrastructure (internal and external) “developing and implementing planning guidelines requiring best practice waste infrastructure to increase resource recovery from new or renovated large commercial facilities, such as shopping centres and office buildings, by 31 December 2011” 2 Problem wastes – eg styrofoam, plastic packaging, pallets 2 NSW DECCW 2011, Reducing Waste: Implementation Strategy 2011–2015

Some programs Midwaste Small Business Waste Reduction Program Retail trade, manufacturing, accommodation and food services Survey, trial, toolkit 5 step process Step 1: Document current services Step 2: Site assessment (current practice) Step 3: Opportunity review Step 4: Waste reduction action plan Step 5: Implementation and review

Some programs QLD Govt reThink Business Waste Services Program $750 subsidy Review and introduce a new resource recovery service 7334 available, 55 used QLD Govt reThink Business Waste Equipment Program 40% rebate on items from catalogue

Some programs NSW EPA SME waste assessment tool Supported pilot program underway DIY visual assessment and electronic tool generates action plan Fact sheets – industries and materials Focus on ten priority materials: aluminium, cardboard, e-waste, food waste, garden organics, glass, paper, plastic film, plastic rigid, steel, wood and timber

Input? In one minute or less, what is the biggest success you have had in engaging SME’s on waste management?

The opportunity There are many resources available Programs and instructions Contacts – www.businessrecycling.com.au Signage templates – OEH and above Many are services available These services are usually cheaper (increasingly) Source separation need not be difficult

The opportunity But we need to increase awareness to provide motivation

Behaviour Change 5 stages: Awareness of problem and need to change Motivation to make a change Skill development to prepare for the change Initial adoption of the new activity or behaviour Maintenance of the new activity and integration into lifestyle

Organisational Change Change the message from ‘do the right thing’ to ‘it’s available, it’s cheaper, it’s not hard if you do it right! Kurt Lewin’s Force Field Analysis (simplified)

Input? In one minute or less, what is the biggest success you have had in engaging SME’s on waste management?

Recommendations Raise awareness!! Services available Price differential evidence (typical %?) Support is available for establishing effective systems “using targeted education, communication and partnerships to improve waste avoidance and resource recovery by businesses, for example, by conducting a series of targeted education campaigns to promote waste reduction and recycling at work as well as at home” 2 2 NSW DECCW 2011, Reducing Waste: Implementation Strategy 2011–2015

Recommendations Provide the support: Tools for self-assessment Signs and staff engagement methods Internal source separation equipment (rebates?)

Recommendations Use approaches similar to residential campaigns: Regional cooperation Mass media Multiple communication channels

More tips Problem wastes: Develop recovery systems Info on alternative product/material options Encourage use of waste reduction policy on display so they get some recognition and they help you spread the word If working one on one, offer a ‘free service’ rather than ‘participation in a program’!

Senior Environmental Consultant 360green Jem Hansen Senior Environmental Consultant 360green Phone 02 6585 3601 Fax 02 6585 3620 Mobile 0401 864 707 Email jem@360green.com.au Web www.360green.com.au