General Tips (Business)

The following section contains some simple practical hints that are relevant to a range of common business activities. Simply pick the tips that are useful to your business.

Purchasing and Inventory

Careful reductions in stock levels can reduce wastage through obsolescence and accidental damage. You can also influence the packaging used by your suppliers, and their methods of supplying your business. Some examples are:

• Factor in waste management costs, when purchasing raw materials - the additional processing and waste management costs associated with a 'cheap' raw material may exceed any savings in purchase price.
• Unless bulk purchasing has advantages, purchase materials in appropriate unit sizes on a Just-In-Time basis.
• Check all stock when received, to ensure that it is clearly labelled and free from breakage and leaks.
• Investigate the purchase of stock on consignment or check with your vendor regarding whether they will rotate stock. A properly managed Kan Ban system can also help to control stock levels.
• Talk to your suppliers about how they package their goods - can the quantity of type of packaging be changed? Some suppliers will set up systems incorporating reusable containers for their goods.
• Check out possible material substitution. There may be products on the market that are more efficient than those that your business is presently using. For example, some solvents are hazardous to human health and difficult to dispose of. The SAGE - Solvent Alternatives Guide web site http://clean.rti.org, although a US site, may be a useful starting point.

Storage and Handling

Correct storage and handling of stock can reduce unnecessary waste, leaks and spills.

A few simple hints:

• Set up a first in-first out system for handling your stock.
• Use funnels to fill containers
• Use sturdy shelving to store materials
• Store stock in a manner that will preserve its shelf life - cover if necessary.
• Store drums off the floor on pallets so that leaks can be easily detected.
• Keep different materials separate to avoid cross contamination.
• Store hazardous wastes undercover and away from major traffic areas and storm water drains to reduce the risk and consequence of any accidents.
• Have the correct safety equipment easily accessible, with the relevant staff trained in its operation as well as being trained in the safe handling of materials and waste.
• Carry the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all chemicals used and stored in your business. For further information on MSDS's, visit: http://www.nohsc.gov.au/ohslegalobligations/hazsubstancesanddnggoods/supres.htm

The efficient storage and handling of wastes is also important. Controlled (Hazardous) wastes are often more expensive to dispose of - so you can reduce costs by making sure that controlled waste bins are not contaminated by non-controlled materials.

Segregation is the key - set up a simple colour-coded system of waste and recycling bins, then ensure they are serviced regularly, to show your people you are serious.

Housekeeping

Good work practices can reduce the wastage that occurs through spillage, spoilage, and over-use.

• Work and storage areas should be kept clean and well organised, to reduce the chance of waste, in addition to the obvious safety reasons.
• Minimise 'on-the-job' stocks.
• Good housekeeping is the responsibility of all employees at all times - not just the cleaner.

Maintenance

• Conduct regular equipment inspections and service - preventative maintenance is usually less expensive than breakdown maintenance. This can be as complicated as installing sophisticated Condition Monitoring equipment, or as simple as regular servicing, lubrication or painting.
• Track equipment malfunctions, spills and losses that occur within your business. This can save you time and money on repairs and clean-ups if dealt with promptly.
• Repeated problems are a sign that a more permanent solution is required.

Production

Despite the variety and complexity of production processes and equipment, there are some simple general rules:

• Aim to build manufacturing and packaging efficiency into the design of your product.
• Do what you are good at - consider subcontracting specialist functions.
• Design your production layout to optimise the flow of materials.
• What can you do to simplify or eliminate production stages?
• Optimise at every stage - internal recycles also consume resources.
• Aim for continuous processing - minimise stocks of intermediate semi-finished items.
• Check whether you can schedule the production of a range of products to reduce set-up frequency and costs.

Purchasing new equipment and changing your production technology are two of the more expensive business improvement methods to implement. However, the benefits can be substantial. Computerised cutting-out machines can significantly reduce raw material, labour and energy costs in the clothing and metal fabrication businesses.

Can the process be changed to produce less waste, or more readily disposable wastes? For economic and environmental reasons, major process change should be thoroughly investigated before proceeding.

Sometimes process changes can be deceptively simple - in many continuous processes, excessive waste is generated by the interruption of shift changes - can you negotiate an uninterrupted 'hot shift change' system with your workforce?

Few modern businesses can afford to throw things away unnecessarily. Look at your wastes and ask yourself:

• Can I recycle, remelt or otherwise retreat it in my process?
• Is it a waste or a by-product - can it be sold without re-treatment?
• Would I be better off selling 'factory seconds' than re-treating or scrapping it?
• Can my redundant stores or office furniture be sold to my staff at a discount, or even donated to charity - rather than disposed of?
• Is there a waste exchange opportunity, where a local business can benefit from processing my waste?

Finished Goods

Then there's the final step in the process - your responsibility for your own products:

• Do you spend enough time talking to your customers about their needs?
• Is your product made in the most suitable sizes or weights to reduce your customers' wastage?
• Do you use excessive packaging, or packaging materials that are difficult to recycle?

(Source: http://outreach.missouri.edu/polsol/. Pollution Solutions: Waste Reduction Assistance for Business, University of Missouri & Lincoln University).