What priority should waste management companies provide to communities?

Community organisations and businesses can improve local sustainability, and the local economy by working with waste management companies who promote the circular economy. Mitigating the cost of living expenses and saving on Co2. These are 2 things high on the agenda at a local level and as a nation.

​It may be a surprise to many the amount of value waiting to be utilised that exists within one of the places some would seldom expect to look, that is waste. As the name implies, waste is for items of no use whatsoever only destined to be gone forever. But, waste management as a whole is changing for the better.

Circular Economy and Organisations

​A new phrase you may have heard is ‘reuse’ and has a higher priority than ‘recycle’. The circular economy is increasing and is becoming more prevalent. Many organisations are taking measures in their carbon control to become more sustainable. This encourages us to take another look at what we throw away, to see if it has another use. 

There are a host of items tossed away every day, often without thought, and more from habit.
But pausing for a moment and asking ourselves if what we throw away can be used by someone else. Think of another person or project who has a need for that resource. This could change the course of many items.

A few questions to ask

• Are there any items we don’t use any more than others can?
• Are there any local organisations nearby we can offer resources to?
• What’s the community need close by, and what waste could we offer? 

If you want to discuss ideas speak to an expert  contact us

Food Waste

Food, or food items, can be transferred to another person but is often overlooked.
While there should be a serious cautionary approach to “hot food waste” being sent to another person, as some methods are still being tried and tested.
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There are still some safe food items that are certainly ok to send. One type, is ambient food, this is usually found on a shelf or in a cupboard.
You can take regular stock checks and then send items before they reach the use-by date.
​It’s important to note that Best Before is still edible and ok to send.

Contact us

The cost of living rises.

Cost of living items have increased according to The Big Issue Food and non-alcoholic drink prices are up by 4% on last year. But are still 30% higher than they were in April 2021.
According to figures from Wrap, in the UK, we throw away 4.6 million tonnes of edible food every year, this could have fed 7 billion people!

Birmingham Food Re-distribution

​Modus signed the food justice pledge and works with a fellow local food organisation in Birmingham to help address this issue. The food here is captured from other businesses' before it is even classed as waste, but would have otherwise been. 

​The Incredible Surplus has a warehouse bigger enough to exceed that of a neighbourhood express store. They help local people get food (that is great quality) at a pay-as-feel rate. All redirected from the waste stream. Contact us to discuss any of your food surplus ideas. 

Wood.

​Wood is another useful item that is useful to local organisations. Wood is a raw material and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.
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​Building regulations would have specifications on structural wood and allowance on the types used from waste if you were intending to build for structure, but, this should not prohibit small projects like planters or craft items or anything else you may find use for. 

Electrical.

​Electrical items can be donated to organisations too, but proper PAT testing and using manufacturer guidance do need to be applied, as electrical items can cause fires if faulty. With that in mind, buying second-hand items can be very resourceful to organisations, and widely benefits the circular economy.  

Closing Thoughts.

The cost of living affects some more than others, so looking closer into the local needs surrounding your organisation and seeing your waste as a potential resource may prove worthwhile.

With a simple brainstorming exercise and a few conversations with some local eco-minded organisations, it's interesting what you might accomplish.

An example of that is a group called Garden of Givers. They have Portland College make planters for the community all from scrap wood. 

​Schools and local businesses then house the planters, but with the added benefit of teaching others how to grow their food from seed, the surplus is then donated to local food distribution groups.
This is a great example of taking a local need and reusing waste to provide a solution.
 
If you have any community social projects ideas that you think we should be aware of, call us and speak with our team.