Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

22Section 4.Identifying wasteminimisationopportunitiesOffer alternatives■ Encourage suppliers and retailers to look at alternatives such as refills inoriginal containers■ Introduce alternative and reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bagsDevelop partnerships■ Develop a partnership with the water authority to promote waterreuse schemes■ Look to local schools, kindergartens and/or environmental groups toreuse materials no longer required by retailers, such as:■ polystyrene boxes to greening or tree planting groups for plantpropagation or kindergartens■ packaging and/or paper to a local kindergarten for art classes■ film canisters to cosmetics firms for samplesThe green checklist in the appendix (Form 4) has more hints for retailers.4.4 RecyclingProcesses for reforming materials used into new articles; opportunities forcash returnA successful recycling program needs suitable markets for the recycledmaterial. The support of a professional waste management organisationshould facilitate market development and other opportunities.EquipmentRecycling equipment in a shopping centre can vary with the needs, sizeof centres and available markets for recycling. Clearly identify all recyclingequipment with consistent and effective signs to encourage use and toeliminate contamination.Bin typesNormal council-style ‘wheelie’ bins of 120 or 240 cubic litre capacity can beused for general rubbish or for recycling purposes at designated areas. Theycan be transported to one or more separation sites for:■ compacting for landfill waste■ recycling of paper/cardboard, bottles, cans or PET plastic■ composting.