Every business generates waste.  For some, it may be only waste paper; for others, it may be hazardous or toxic wastes that require permits, special handling, and disposal.  Whatever the type or volume of waste your company generates, it is all the same in one respect – it is costing you money!  In fact, you’re paying for it twice – once when you buy it and the second time when you throw it away. The bottom line is that preventing waste can save you money.

By consuming and throwing away less, you will reduce the need to handle, treat, and dispose of waste.  Waste prevention can take many forms, including:

  • Purchasing durable, long-lasting materials
  • Striving to eliminate raw materials that are not incorporated into your final product or service
  • Using products that are free of toxic materials
  • Reducing the amount of packaging
  • Conserving water and energy
  • Implementing in-process recycling

Many waste prevention efforts, such as two-sided printing and using e-mail in place of printed copies, are inexpensive and simple to implement, often involving only a change in attitude or work procedures.

Waste prevention is a business strategy from which any company, regardless of size or type, can benefit.  What’s more, if the waste you are eliminating or reducing is regulated under state or federal law – and your reductions are significant enough – you might be able to avoid costly permits and government approvals.


In addition to these financial advantages, waste prevention prevents pollution, making your neighborhood and community a safer, healthier place to live.  Businesses that reduce waste are regarded more favorably by customers, the public, and their own employees.  Businesses that reduce waste motivate people and other businesses to do the same.  In the end, you benefit, the environment benefits, the community benefits, and your company establishes itself as a good community citizen, providing immeasurable, lasting rewards.

Thurston County Solid Waste can help your business achieve waste reduction goals by providing the following FREE services:

  • Customized waste assessments
  • Signage
  • Presentations
  • Staff training
  • Assistance with making economic and environmentally preferable purchasing choices

Thurston County Solid Waste can also assist your business with recycling efforts.

Interested?  For more information about business waste reduction and recycling assistance, please contact Education and Outreach Specialist, Allyson Ruppenthal at 360-754-3355 ext. 7676 or [email protected].  If your business is within the City of Olympia, please contact Senior Program Specialist, Spencer Orman at 360-753-8752 or [email protected].