At Work

Tips to reduce waste

 

• Proofread documents on screen before printing
• Print on both sides of paper
• Circulate written or printed memos
• Flash reference materials during meetings on screen instead of printing them for distribution
• If print copies are needed, make few copies of a document for sharing
• Subscribe to electronic mailing whenever possible

 

• Avoid the use of disposable items
• Do not ask for plastic carriers if packet food can be held in hand
• Bring own reusable lunchbox and cutlery for takeaways
• Bring own mug to meetings to reduce use of plastic or Styrofoam cups

 

• Order just adequate drinks and food for meeting, seminars, conference and events
• Buy longer-lasting & useful items as corporate gifts

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Offices [PDF, 2.13 MB]

   3R Fund

Tips to reuse waste

 

• Reuse used envelopes for sending internal mail
• Remove old documents and reuse files for filing again
• Use the other side of used paper for drafting, printing and taking notes, etc

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Offices [PDF, 2.12 MB]

 

   3R Fund

 

  Recycling / Collection Points 

Steps to set up a recycling programme

1. Appoint an officer to implement the recycling programme.
2. Engage a recyclables collector. A list of collectors can be found at this link.
3. Provide recycling bins with appropriate labelling at strategic locations.
4. Instil awareness and engage staff regularly through circulars, newsletters, talks and activities.
5. Educate the cleaners to keep the recyclables separate from general waste during collection to avoid contamination.
6. Monitor the scheme regularly, and keep staff informed by charting progress of the recycling programme.

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Offices [PDF, 2.12 MB]

  3R Fund

  Collectors, Traders and Local Recycling Facilities

  Recycling Search Engine

  Resources

Tips to reduce waste

Inventory management and control

• Proper management of raw materials, intermediate products, final products and the associated waste streams
• Companies can join the Packaging Partnership Programme to reduce packaging waste from consumer products
• Purchase only the amount of raw materials needed for a production run or a set period of time
• Purchase the material in the proper sized container/package to reduce packaging waste

Material control

• Ensure that raw material will reach the production process without loss through spills, leaks or contamination
• Handle and use materials efficiently in the production process to reduce waste generation
• Handle and manage recyclable waste like a product to prevent contamination which may reduce or eliminate any recovery potential

Operation and maintenance procedures

• Make production processes more efficient to reduce waste generation
• Establish a strict maintenance programme which stresses corrective and preventive measures to reduce waste generation caused by equipment failure
• Install more efficient process equipment, or modify existing equipment to take advantage of better production techniques

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Industrial Developments

  3R Fund

  Singapore Packaging Agreement and Packaging Partnership Programme

Tips to reuse waste

Inventory management and control

• Approach the supplier to see if it will take back excess materials

Material control

• Look for ways to use a waste as a raw material in another process
• Look for ways to avoid contamination of a waste so that it can be put back into the originating process as a substitute for a raw material

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Industrial Developments

  3R Fund

  Recycling / Collection Points

Recycling in industrial estates

A Recycling Programme for JTC Industrial Estates was launched in Nov 2003. Under this programme, designated corners have been set up in bin centres to collect wood waste for reuse. Recycling bins are also provided in strategic locations for the collection of paper, aluminium cans, plastic, metal and glass.

 

 

 

Companies that wish to reduce waste through more efficient and effective use of resources can refer to the 3R Guidebook for Industrial Developments. The guidebook contains practical tips on planning and implementing a waste minimisation plan and recycling programme. It also contains case studies to show the cost savings that some companies have achieved through waste minimisation.

Related Links

  3R Guidebook for Industrial Developments

  3R Fund