Initiating a Waste Minimization Program

Ensure Both Management & Employee Commitment

Success at waste minimization depends on commitment and involvement by both management and employees. A lack of commitment by either will result in an ineffective program.

Management support is crucial to acceptance of waste minimization by employees. To demonstrate commitment, it is important that upper management - the shop owner, president, or other appropriate person:

• Establish waste minimization as an official policy and priority company goal
• Actively participate in all phases of company waste reduction efforts

Involving employees is critical as well, as they are ultimately responsible for the successful implementation of the waste minimization program. Once management is dedicated, it can foster commitment and involve employees in a number of ways:

• Establish effective communication between managers and employees
  Develop two-way lines of communication which promote the exchange of information between management and employees. Employees need to be well-informed to effectively implement company goals and policies. They also must feel confident that management is open to their suggestions. (Those doing the work are familiar with the processes generating waste and are good sources of ideas on how to reduce it.)

• Educate employees about the potential benefits to themselves, the business, the community, and the environment that will result from their efforts

• Create incentives to encourage the development of waste minimization ideas
  Consider using recognition awards, profit sharing, bonuses based on money saved, prizes, etc. as rewards for successful ideas.

Designate Waste Minimization Personnel

Designate personnel responsible for leading waste minimization efforts. In small shops, the owner or manager may be the only person available or needed. Larger businesses should choose a "team" of employees. Team size will depend upon company size, complexity, and variety of operations. More important than size, is to ensure input from all perspectives by involving employees familiar with each aspect of the business. If necessary, outside consultation can supplement in-house capabilities to spot routine problems which employees may overlook.

Waste minimization personnel will be responsible for:

a. Setting waste reduction and program goals
b. Communicating effectively with employees and management
c. Conducting a waste reduction assessment
d. Recommending waste reduction alternatives
e. Developing and overseeing their implementation
f. Evaluating progress and initiating modifications or new strategies as appropriate

Waste minimization "teams" should also provide for:

• Leadership: Someone in charge and accountable for the program
• Regular Communication: Hold regularly scheduled meetings to discuss progress and share new information or ideas
• Recordkeeping: Record meetings, discussions, and progress
• Consensus: Cooperative decision-making makes waste reduction work
• Longevity: Maintain the waste minimization team to continue progress

Set Goals

Management and waste minimization personnel should define goals for (1) how the program will work, and (2) what it is to accomplish. In addition to setting specific waste reduction targets, other desirable goals may include improving employee or community relations, improving worker health and safety, and meeting regulatory requirements.

Goals should be:

• Acceptable to those who will work to achieve them
• Flexible to adapt to changing requirements
• Measurable over time
• Motivational to encourage participation
• Compatible with the overall company goals
• Understandable by everyone
• Achievable with a reasonable amount of effort