Waste management areas are typically out the back of a business and, with anything that is out of sight, they can be out of mind. Waste management areas can easily become very disorganised with the bins returned to different locations after each waste collection.

A well laid out waste management yard, with bin signs on the wall (or on the ground) will ensure the bins are consistently in the right spot. This will minimise any confusion for the staff using them.

Commonly, waste management systems become confusing when different coloured bins, with different bin signs, are used. If this differs to what people use in their homes, it can be very confusing.

Make it easy for whoever takes out the bins to know what goes where and ask your current waste collector to give you a consistent set of bins for your general waste, recyclables and food waste.

Clear signage helps a lot.

Clear signage on all bins, and on the walls behind the bins, will make it easier for everyone to dispose of waste correctly. This reduces mistakes, saves staff time and can reduce your waste bills.

Free bin signs can be downloaded from mywaste.ie

Black sacks make the contents of a bin invisible from outside and this can cause confusion.

Ideally, semi-transparent bin bags in two different colours makes the waste visible and make it possible to distinguish between general waste and mixed dry recycling.

As not every establishment has the same system, ensure that all new staff are properly trained in the system from day one and all staff are alerted to any changes put in place.

Training and re-training staff in waste management will benefit your business. It saves money and can avoid unnecessary confusion or frustration.

Putting all your waste in one bin is the most expensive way to manage waste and does not meet with waste management regulations. Ideally there should be facilities for at least 3 waste streams, one for food waste, one for mixed recyclables and one for general waste. Segregating waste like this should reduce your costs.

The best waste management system will depend on the kitchen in question. The biggest issue in kitchens is the mismanagement of food waste. Smaller bins/caddies in the right place may work well. It’s all about creating a system that is easy and convenient for staff to segregate and dispose of waste correctly.

Waste characterisation data shows that the average commercial general waste bin is composed of 25% food waste while the average recycling bin contains 5% food.

Food waste in the wrong waste stream can contaminate other materials that may otherwise be recycled.