Practical Tips for Waste Reduction

Reducing waste is no longer just a nice-to-have. It is a responsibility that businesses and organisations are increasingly expected to take seriously. It also demonstrates corporate social responsibility to customers.

From growing landfill pressures to rising demand for corporate environmental and social accountability, there is a clear need to take action. The good news is that waste reduction does not have to be difficult or expensive. With a few practical steps, workplaces and organisations of all sizes can reduce their environmental impact, save on costs, and contribute to broader social good.

There are two Bedford Group recycling businesses located at Ottoway: Electronic Recycling Australia and Bounce Back Mattress Recycling. As a recycling provider focused on both e-waste and mattress recovery, we are also proud to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability. Every item you recycle with us avoids landfill and supports a more inclusive and equitable community.

Here are some practical, high-impact recycling strategies your business or organisation can implement starting today.

The first step in any waste reduction plan is understanding your current impact. A waste audit helps identify the types and amounts of waste your organisation produces and where it ends up. You can track the waste generated in different departments such as office spaces, kitchens, storage areas, or guest rooms if you are in hospitality.

Ask:

What is being discarded that could be recycled?

Are there materials that could be reused, donated, or recovered?

Where are the biggest opportunities to reduce waste?

Even a basic audit can uncover simple changes that lead to immediate improvements.

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, and it often contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Despite this, much of it still ends up in landfill.

Whether you are upgrading computers, replacing monitors, or clearing out storage rooms, it is essential to work with a certified e-waste recycler, like Electronic Recycling Australia. This ensures that valuable materials like metals and plastics are recovered and that harmful substances are disposed of safely.

Our e-waste recycling service is designed with compliance, convenience, and social impact in mind. By choosing our service, you are also supporting employment opportunities for people with disability in roles that offer skill development and long-term job security.

Our skilled technicians also test and refurbish tech and re-sell it, again contributing to the circular economy.

For businesses in industries like hospitality, healthcare, or education, mattresses often represent a significant waste item. A single mattress can take up more than one cubic metre of landfill space and take decades to decompose.

Bounce Back Mattress Recycling separates each mattress into components like steel springs, foam, fabric, and timber. These materials are then processed and reused in manufacturing. Mattress recycling reduces waste and supports sustainable industry practices.

Having bins available is important, but an effective recycling system needs more than just placement.

To improve participation and outcomes:

Use clearly labelled bins for each type of material, such as paper, plastics, e-waste, and general waste.

Position bins in areas where waste is commonly generated, like staff kitchens, printing stations, or receiving docks.

Educate staff and visitors with simple signage and regular communication.

A well-organised system can significantly improve recycling rates and reduce waste disposal costs.

Your employees play a key role in any waste reduction effort. Help them understand how their everyday choices contribute to your goals.

You can:

Host workshops or short training sessions on sustainability.

Encourage staff to reuse supplies and reduce single-use items.

Recognise and reward team members who suggest or lead green initiatives.

Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility leads to more consistent long-term results.

Your supply chain also affects your waste footprint. When possible, select suppliers who align with your sustainability values.

Look for:

Vendors who use minimal or recyclable packaging

Products that are designed for durability and repair, not just disposal

Partners who demonstrate ethical practices, including inclusive employment and waste reduction policies

Responsible procurement helps your organisation extend its impact beyond your immediate operations.

Working with a recycling partner that prioritises social good extends your impact. Electronic Recycling Australia and Bounce Back Mattress Recycling are part of Bedford Group and employ people with disability in roles that support the growth of skills, confidence, and independence.

This model creates real, measurable social value. When your organisation recycles with us, you are helping to build a circular economy that values both the environment and the people in it.

Small changes can lead to big results. Whether you are at the beginning of your sustainability journey or looking to take your waste management strategy to the next level, we are here to help.

We offer tailored recycling solutions for businesses, including volume e-waste collection and mattress recovery.

Individuals who wish to recycle e-waste and mattresses with us can drop them off to our recycling hub located at 301 Grand Junction Road, Ottoway (enter from Duncan Court).

It’s $40 per mattress for recycling, no matter what the size or material - a very competitive price!

E-waste such as TVs, computers, phones, household electronics and more are free to recycle, except fridges and freezers, which incur a $20 cost for degassing.

Get in touch today to learn more about how your organisation can reduce waste, support social inclusion, and build a more sustainable future.

📲 8374 2276 l info@erecyclingaustralia.com.au
🌐 Electronic Recycling Australia l Bounce Back Mattress Recycling