Waste management and reduction guide for retail industry

6Who can benefitfrom this guide?The shopping centre industry is oneof the largest manufacturers of waste,and it is imperative that we implementenvironmental programs to reduceimpacts on landfill and save water.This guide is intended as a tool for shopping centremanagement, commercial property owners andproperty managers who may be involved with planningand implementing waste reduction and recyclingprograms within shopping centres.Take up the challenge ofimplementing Environmental BestPractice in your centre and preserveour resources for future generations.Kate KnightSA Retail Property GroupGenerally waste management services are a cooperative approach betweenmanagement and retailers. Thus management is likely to play a leadership rolein any waste reduction and recycling initiatives. However, waste prevention ona large scale is a joint effort between retailers and centre management.The examples and case studies in this guide can help both shopping centresoverall and individual retail businesses within the centre, to reduce waste.I think that the issue of sustainability is fast becoming important to allgenerations of Australians. The uptake of re-useable plastic bags bythe population has shown that given sound positive information thepublic will respond.There are so many areas of pollution in our environment that we cannotcontrol and need Governments to take a leadership role, but it is my belief thatthe community is fast sending a message to our leaders that we will supportand embrace any changes in our activity that will benefit the environment.This sustainability guide is one such document that supports that end.Ineffective waste disposalhas a negative effect on ourenvironment. A cooperativeapproach within the retail industryto efficient waste reduction andresource recovery can minimiseor negate that impact. This guidecan assist SA’s retail industryto introduce effective wastereduction and managementapproaches to assist the principleof a sustainable future for all.I commend this guide to all inthe retail industry.Max Baldock President, StateRetailers Association of SouthAustraliaMike HaywoodPresident Waste Management Association of Australia (SA Branch)