2013 Corporate Responsibility Report

Reducing Operational Waste
Staples is not only committed to helping customers recycle and reduce their
waste, we’re also dedicated to eliminating waste in our own operations. We
have programs in place in our stores, distribution centers and offices to recycle
materials such as cardboard, mixed paper, shrink wrap and pallets. We also
actively seek out new methods for attaining our waste reduction goals.
We significantly reduced our U.S. total waste disposed between 2012
and 2013, from 29,070 to 25,150 tons (about 13%). The percentage of
waste that goes to landfill compared to incinerator is approximately the
same as in earlier years; as a result our waste to landfill in the U.S. also
decreased between 2012 and 2013, from 26,600 to 23,000 tons.
Total Waste Sent to Landfill
in the U.S. (Short Tons)
Globally, our waste to landfill decreased
from 34,000 tons in 2012 to 28,500
tons in 2013. We are still filling a few
minor data gaps, but anticipate that
ultimately we will have decreased waste
to landfill by more than 20% from our
2010 baseline. This is in part due to
closing locations in different parts of
our operations, but also “right sizing”
our waste disposal configurations,
access to more accurate waste data
and improved diversion for recycling.
In Australia and New
Zealand, we are recycling just over 70% of all waste produced and are
decreasing the total volume of waste produced by 10% annually.
We continuously seek new ways to reduce waste and increase recycling
in our facilities. Recently, we have introduced waste-reduction strategies
in our U.S. stores, resulting in many participating stores reducing the
frequency of waste pickup by half while increasing recycling volumes. This
project has been rolled out to 400 stores — or 25% of the retail chain.
We have a similar focus on decreasing the waste impact of our distribution facilities.
Accomplishments include increasing materials collected for recycling, expanding
geographic coverage of our recycling programs in North America, maximizing
load sizes and minimizing hauls, using waste audits to identify waste-reduction
opportunities and reallocating recycling equipment to boost participation.
Vision
Achieve zero waste in our
operations and help customers
minimize their operational waste.
Long-Term Goals
Globally reduce the amount
of waste we send to landfills
by 25% before 2020.
Staples 2013 Corporate Responsibility Report
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