How To

10 Ways to Reduce Waste Management Costs for Your Business

Managing waste is a necessary expense for any business, but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. With the right strategies, you can optimize your waste management plan, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. 

If you’re looking for a reliable waste management company that gives you one point of contact no matter how many facilities you run, choose ZTERS. We make waste management simple and convenient so you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Want to learn how to reduce costs? Here are 10 actionable ways to lower waste disposal expenses while keeping your business clean and compliant. 

1. Conduct a Waste Assessment & Audit

Before making any changes, start with a waste assessment. ZTERS offers complimentary waste assessments to identify the types and amounts of waste your business produces, how often bins are collected, and whether you’re overpaying for unnecessary pickups. 

Following an audit, a waste audit takes a deeper dive into your waste stream. This data will help you optimize your waste removal services and cut unnecessary costs.

2. Right-Size Your Waste Services

Are you paying for more pickups than you actually need? Many businesses overestimate their waste volume and end up with excessive service costs. Work with your commercial waste provider to adjust bin sizes and collection schedules based on your actual waste output. 

ZTERS uses dumpster camera technology to monitor your waste levels and help you avoid overflow and reduce overall spend.

3. Reduce Waste at the Source

The less waste you generate, the less you have to pay to dispose of it. Implement strategies to reduce packaging, switch to reusable materials, and encourage employees to use digital documentation instead of printing. Source reduction is one of the most effective cost-saving measures.

4. Improve Recycling Efforts

Recycling can significantly cut landfill disposal costs. Set up clearly labeled recycling bins and educate employees on what can and can’t be recycled. Check out ZTERS waste and recycling signage generator to create effective signs that direct employees on where to dispose of items.

5. Separate Waste Streams

Mixing different types of waste can lead to higher fees and contamination issues. Did you know that if your recycling is too contaminated (like if cardboard becomes soiled with food waste) it will be diverted to a landfill? Keep recyclables, organic waste, and hazardous materials separate.

6. Implement a Composting Program

For businesses in food service or those that generate organic waste, composting can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional waste removal. Many waste providers offer composting services at lower rates than landfill disposal, helping you save money while reducing environmental impact.

7. Negotiate Waste Hauling Contracts

If you’ve had the same waste management provider for years, you may not be getting the best deal. Regularly review your contract and compare rates with other providers. Negotiating better pricing or switching to a provider with more flexible options can lead to significant savings. 

At ZTERS, we prioritize transparency—meaning that all the terms of your contract are visible to you. No hidden fees, no headaches.

8. Consolidate Waste Services

If your business uses multiple waste management vendors for trash, recycling, and special waste, consolidating services with a single provider like ZTERS can streamline billing and reduce overall costs. Many providers offer bulk discounts for bundling services.

9. Train Employees on Waste Reduction Practices

Employees play a key role in waste management. Educate staff on best practices, such as reducing single-use items, properly sorting recyclables, and minimizing food waste. It may seem inconsequential, but small behavioral changes can add up to big savings over time.

10. Explore Waste-to-Energy Options

Depending on your location, waste-to-energy programs may offer cost-effective alternatives to landfill disposal. These programs convert waste into usable energy, often at lower costs than traditional disposal methods. Check with local providers to see if this option is available.

Optimize Your Waste Management Costs with ZTERS

At ZTERS, we specialize in helping businesses optimize their waste management services. Whether you need right-sized dumpsters, recycling solutions, or help meeting your facility’s sustainability goals, we can create a customized plan that saves you time and money.

Call 866-789-4373 to find out how ZTERS can help you reduce waste costs while keeping your business on the track towards success.