Aspects and Benefits of an EMS for a typical city office

1. Paul Boundy
20 June 2013

2. Significant Aspects
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Recyclables
contaminated with
used paper towels
Compostable waste in
plastic bags
Strong cleaning
chemicals: Dish
detergent, surface &
floor cleaners, bleach
Excessive plastic
bags for desk bins
Wasteful hand soap
dispensers

3. EMS Targets

90% reduction in contamination of
recycling with food soiled kitchen paper

100% replacement of plastic bags with
corn starch bags in compostable waste
system.
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100% replacement of hand soap
dispensers with foaming type

100% replacement of chlorine based
cleaning agents with environmentally
friendly alternatives (orange or eucalypt)

100% removal of desk based bins and
replacement with waste recycling stations

4. Implementation Issues
Streamline kitchen waste management
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Limited space for kitchen reorganisation
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Staff objection to removal of under utilised
bar fridge
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Relocate and create a larger organic waste
bin to also take kitchen paper
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Relocate comingled recyclable bin
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New prominent signage for separation
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Communication with staff to get
support and subtly change behaviour
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Informal auditing to encourage staff
compliance

5. Benefits
Public image
 Staff morale
 Reduced expenditure on plastic bags
soap waste
 Reduced waste collection costs
 Take the ideas home
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6. Thank you
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Any Questions?