Waste Management

Waste management is a growing concern for CSR businesses as the global population continues to grow, and urbanisation – and the waste it produces – continues at pace. Consumption of food, fossil fuels and minerals produces 300 million tonnes of waste each year. For CSR organisations, effective waste management is now an essential aspect of responsible business if it is to meet the challenge of sustainable development. Long-term sustainability requires effective waste management, particularly from business, where CSR can encourage innovation in waste management technology and encourage environmentally friendly waste management approaches with business partners and producers in the supply chain.

Waste audits, as part of any CSR organisation’s environmental review, would initially assess how waste is managed, identify any gaps in information and areas of poor waste management. CSR consultants can organise waste audits and advise on proper waste management strategies, how waste production can be minimised and then how waste might be recycled. A principle concern of any waste management initiative is to ensure safe and environmentally acceptable handling and storage of waste, at a reasonable cost. Corporate citizenship requires proper waste management as stakeholders, consumers, staff and investors, demand accountability from business for its environmental impact.

Transparent information about waste management and how businesses review their waste management strategies are now crucial elements of CSR communication. Effective waste management can reduce business running costs significantly. Taking action on effective waste management as a result of a company’s environmental audit is then crucial, promoting efficiency, often reducing costs and enabling CSR companies to gain a significant edge over competitors, as well as helping the environment.