Retail Store Case Study

Optimized Waste Management Yields Over $28,000 in Annual Savings for Holland Retail Store

PROBLEM:

The Holland Retail Store faced significant challenges in managing its waste, producing a large volume weekly with only a small portion being recycled. This inefficiency led to high monthly costs, underscoring the need for a more effective and sustainable waste management solution.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

• Property Location: Holland, OH
• Type of Property: Retail Business
  • This property consists of two locations, each featuring large showroom floors for furniture, making waste management essential for maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.

SOLUTION AND RESULTS:

Through strategic collaboration with waste vendors and building management, we optimized waste services and implemented an enhanced recycling program. By working closely with our clients to improve waste processes and streams, we eliminated the need for unnecessary service items. These initiatives dramatically increased material diversion rates, reduced the overall waste stream, and cut annual waste management costs by more than half. The retail business in Holland, OH now enjoys both environmental and financial benefits, with increased sustainability and significant cost savings.

WASTE SERVICE AND COST PRIOR TO OUR INVOLVEMENT:

• Trash: 18 totes serviced three times per week
  • The frequent service required for trash indicated a high volume of waste generation, leading to significant costs.
• Recycling: 2 – 4 yard containers serviced one time per week
  • The limited recycling service suggested that recyclable materials were not being effectively diverted from the waste stream.

ANALYSIS:

• Waste Production:
  • Average of 2,200 pounds of waste per week
    • The building was generating an excessive amount of waste weekly, reflecting inefficiencies in waste management practices.
  • 200 pounds of recyclables per week
    • A meager amount of recyclables was being diverted from the waste stream, indicating potential for improvement in recycling efforts.

OBJECTIVE:

• Collaborate with waste vendors and building management to:
  • Increase material diversion rates for better sustainability
    • Our goal was to enhance the building’s recycling program to reduce its environmental impact.
  • Decrease overall cost of service
    • By optimizing waste management processes, we aimed to lower the monthly expenditure on waste services.

OUTCOME:

• Diversion Rates:
  • Increased from 200 pounds per week to 850 pounds per week
    • The significant increase in diversion rates showcased our success in improving the company’s recycling efforts.
• Waste Stream:
  • Decreased from 2200 pounds per week to 1350 pounds per week
    • The reduction in the total waste stream highlighted the effectiveness of our waste management strategies in minimizing waste generation.
• Cost Savings:
  • • Average annual spend decreased by $28,000
    • The substantial decrease in annual spending demonstrated the cost-efficiency of our optimized waste services.