1. 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

2. 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...”

3. 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?

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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’.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. The opportunity
But we need to increase awareness to provide motivation

16. 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

17. 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)

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

19. 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

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

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

22. 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’!

23. Senior Environmental Consultant 360green
Jem Hansen
Senior Environmental Consultant
360green
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