5 ways your business can achieve zero waste in 2025

In today’s eco-conscious world, many businesses are now seeking to minimise their environmental impact by sending zero waste to landfill. Transitioning to a zero waste business is no easy task, and taking those first steps to reducing your commercial waste can be a daunting process. But by setting clear waste management goals that are specifically tailored to your commercial needs, you can begin to minimise your business’ environmental footprint, whilst also enhancing your corporate social responsibility.
In this article, we delve into all things zero waste, and explore how your business can achieve these ambitious waste management goals.
What does zero waste mean?
Zero waste is a specific approach to waste management that aims to divert 99% of waste away from landfills. This concept goes far beyond recycling, and instead focuses on embracing a circular economy. A zero waste business model involves reducing, reusing, and recycling to ensure that raw materials are kept in use for as long as possible, helping to conserve our natural resources and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions from landfill sites.
How to become a zero waste business in 2025
1) Conduct a Waste Audit
The first step to becoming a zero waste business is to conduct a comprehensive waste audit. It’s vital that you understand the quantities and types of waste that your business is generating and what happens to this waste before you make any changes. This process involves collecting data on the materials, supplies, and resources being used in your daily business operations. You can then easily identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, allowing you to set realistic and achievable zero waste goals.
2) Educate & Involve Your Employees
Employee engagement is essential for achieving your business’ zero waste goals. Once you’ve conducted an initial waste audit and identified areas for improvement, it’s time to educate and involve your employees. Conduct regular training sessions on zero waste practices and offer incentives for staff members who demonstrate innovation in waste reduction strategies. This will motivate your team to actively participate in your journey towards zero waste, and help foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
3) Follow the 5 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle
The 5 Rs of waste management are essential for attaining your business’ zero waste goals. Every step in the process helps your organisation to eliminate waste and promotes more environmentally friendly waste management practices. The 5 Rs are:
- Refuse: Cut down on unnecessary materials that could be contributing to your business’ waste production i.e. packaging.
- Reduce: Minimise the amount of waste your business produces at the source, for example by ordering products that use less packaging or purchasing products in bulk.
- Reuse: Extend the lifecycle of any materials your business uses by switching to multi-use alternatives i.e. opt for reusable coffee cups instead of disposable versions.
- Repurpose: Give your existing materials a new lease of life and find new ways to use products i.e. repurposing plastic bottles into bird feeders.
- Recycling: Ensure that all recyclable materials are properly segregated and sent for recycling i.e. glass, paper/cardboard, multi-use plastics.
4) Explore Alternative Waste Disposal Methods
Although not all waste is recyclable, that doesn’t mean it has to end up in landfill. There are many alternative waste disposal methods out there that can help contribute to a more sustainable future. These include:
- Energy-from-waste (EfW): A specialised facility that helps to recover energy from non-recyclable waste and generates renewable power in the form of electricity, heat, and fuel.
- Composting: Food and garden waste can be composted through a process known as anaerobic digestion, which is when bacteria breaks down organic matter into biogas and biofertiliser.
5) Partner with a Commercial Waste Management Company
Collaborating with a dedicated commercial waste management company that is passionate about sustainability, like we are at McCarthy Marland, is a surefire way to achieve your zero waste goals. We can help you develop an effective waste strategy that is specifically tailored to your business needs, and work with you to implement stringent waste reduction and recycling strategies. By partnering with McCarthy Marland, you are well on your way to achieving zero waste status.
Contact us today to discover how we can help your business achieve its zero waste goals.