Retailers are used to dealing with waste, but during busy periods, it can really ramp up and become overwhelming. For example, Black Friday creates 700,000 tonnes of cardboard and plastic packaging waste in the UK – and some of which remains on retail premises.
So, how does commercial waste removal help keep shops clean and efficient in these busy periods?
Why Does Shop Waste Increase During the Busy Shopping Seasons?
There are lots of reasons why your waste might increase during the busy shopping seasons – i.e. Christmas and sale periods – including:
- Higher inventory turnover means more packaging waste, like cardboard, plastic and styrofoam.
- Increased customers lead to more general waste, including carrier bags, receipts and damaged goods.
- Extended hours and events equal more food, promotional material, and cleaning waste.
As a business, you have responsibilities when it comes to the disposal of your commercial waste, from keeping waste to a minimum in general to completing a waste transfer note every time waste leaves the premises.
Challenges of Retail Waste Management During Busy Periods
This increase in commercial waste during busy periods presents numerous challenges that you should be prepared for. These include:
- Overflowing bins and limited storage space, which can lead to health and safety risks.
- Stress for staff due to managing excessive waste during peak hours.
- Impact on customers if the waste affects the shopping environment or store operations.
How Commercial Waste Removal Services Help Retailers Stay Efficient
Commercial waste removal services like The Waste Team can help you stay tidy and efficient. We can work around you and your schedule – so you can get your waste picked up when you need it, rather than having to wait for specific times.
We recycle 90% of the waste we collect, which means those packaging materials for your extra inventory will not go to landfill – allowing you to meet your sustainability goals.
How to Prepare for Christmas Waste
- Conduct a waste audit.
- Train staff
- Plan waste collections
- Review packaging and shipping materials
Most retailers prepare for Christmas in the season ahead – they look at products to stock, staff they might need, etc. But one of the most important areas to prepare for is the waste situation, as it can quickly add up.
Conducting a waste audit helps you anticipate how much waste you’re likely to generate, where it comes from and what type of waste it will be. The aim is to reduce waste, improve sustainability and even save costs.
Once you’ve done this, you can identify areas that need improvement. For example, you might train your staff on waste separation and place signage to remind them where to put waste.
You can also speak to us about collections across your busier periods.
Sustainability Tips for Retailers This Christmas
Reducing your business’s impact on the environment should be all year round, not just for Christmas. However, if you’ve just started your journey to a more sustainable Christmas season, then here are a few tips:
- Choose recyclable packaging where possible
- Reuse shipping materials internally
- Partner with an environmentally-friendly waste removal company
- Educate staff on eco-friendly disposal practices
Need help handling your busy season waste?
The Waste Team can handle all commercial waste, including food, packaging and even hazardous waste. You’re in good hands – we’re fully licensed and fully responsible for clearing out the waste, leaving your property in the same condition. Contact us today.