Waste Reduction

• Avoid buying items that use single use plastic: This can still be tricky to navigate, especially in the hospitality sector. Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Plastic food utensils and accompaniments: Avoid plastic cutlery, plates and bowls; plastic straws; plastic stirrers; cling film; plastic sachets of sauces, coffee or sugar. Many of these items will in fact be banned by law in the UK from October 2023.
• Mini plastic toiletries: If you run an accommodation business, avoid miniature toiletries as much as possible, as well as plastic shower caps, toothbrushes and combs. Consider offering refillable toiletries, using locally made soaps and shampoos.
• Plastic packaging of food and cleaning products: Adjust the way you purchase wherever possible and use refillable or zero waste products. Buying products in bulk will also reduce the overall packaging and cost. Download the Refill App to find local refill stations near you.
• Plastic bags: Avoid using plastic bags and encourage your visitors to use reusable shopping bags.
• Plastic bottles: Encourage guests to refill bottles or offer jugs of water rather than offering or selling plastic bottles of water. Sign up to the Refill App alerting visitors that you offer free water refills – you’ll also receive a sticker to display in your window.

• Supply chains: Ask suppliers what they are doing to reduce their plastic use.

If you haven’t already, you should be reducing the amount of paper you use in the office. Eliminate printing wherever possible and avoid printed glossy brochures. Embrace digital marketing!

Choose textiles made from sustainable fibres and fabrics: These reduce carbon, water and waste footprints and are often longer-lasting and more durable too, helping to save money in the long run.

Do you need to replace an item? Could it last for longer or could it be fixed? Look out for local repair cafes and take your old items along to be mended.

Consider upcycling – this is where you take an item previously meant for another use and make some adjustments so it can be used differently and given a new lease of life. Creative examples include old butler sinks and wellington boots used as hotel garden planters, old sheets and duvets turned into B&B tablecloths or cushion covers.

Donate items that you no longer need to local charities or charity shops.

Ensure you have clearly labelled, colour coded recycling bins, separated out for staff and visitors which are easy to find.

Find out what can and can’t be recycled by your local district or borough council here. Learn how to better decipher recycling symbols here.

Can be collected and recycled.

Some types of plastic such as crisp packets and plastic bread bags cannot be taken for recycling. However, some supermarkets are now able to collect and recycle these.