Waste Management and Reduction Guide for the Retail Industry

This guide is intended as a tool for shopping centre management, commercial property owners and property managers who may be involved with planning and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs within shopping centres.

Zero Waste SA acknowledges the assistance of the SA Retail Property Group and the State Retailers Association of SA  for their assistance in developing the Waste Management and Reduction Guide for the Retail Industry.

Click here to download the PDF version of the guide. 1.9Mb

The guide aims to:

• provide ways to maximise waste reduction initiatives and the implementation of recycling opportunities to reduce the amount of waste being deposited to landfill

• help industry control its waste management activities economically and effectively with practical and appropriate working examples for systematic waste reduction

• help shopping centres and retailers to effectively and economically

• manage the environmental impacts of their operations provide a framework for meeting environmental challenges and improving efficiency.

This guide does not attempt to provide a ‘one size fits all’ answer to introducing waste reduction and recycling programs for everyone involved in the retail industry. It intends to provide general concepts and opportunities to consider in planning and launching an effective and ongoing program.

Shopping centres that take the environmental management initiative can be rewarded by retaining self regulation as well as building relationships among and gaining greater respect from retailers, staff and customers. By taking this first initiative in improving environmental performance, a shopping centre will be in a position to better understand its business and future trends in technology. It will also be well positioned to grab marketing opportunities in an increasingly demanding and critical marketplace.

Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability

A demonstrated commitment to sound environmental practices and increased sustainability is part of generally accepted corporate social responsibility increasingly demanded by the community, shareholders and other stakeholders.

Environmental improvement approaches are seen as an essential tool to assist business to maintain regulatory compliance, improve productivity and develop a competitive advantage.

The increasing numbers of businesses focusing their attention on improving environmental aspects of their operations are realising that beyond the environmental advantages there are tangible benefits to their bottom line. Shopping centres are in a position to play a major role in providing a better environment for future generations as well as meeting community expectations through improving environmental performance, in particular by introducing effective waste reduction and recycling programs. In developing a waste reduction program, shopping centres are able to
position themselves as organisations that care for the community and the environment.

From a marketing perspective, the ‘green’ shopping centre appeals to existing customers, and to the discerning and expanding ‘green’ consumer market. Future customers become familiar with the centre’s philosophy through support of environmental education activities within schools in the centres’ target regions.

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