Mixed Use Office and Retail Space Case Study

Revolutionized Waste Management Saves Over $33,000 Annually for Washington, DC Mixed-Use Property

PROBLEM:

The mixed-use property in Washington, DC, was generating an overwhelming amount of waste, averaging 17,540 pounds per week, with a meager recycling rate of only 160 pounds per week. The inefficiency in waste diversion resulted in high costs, with an average monthly spend of $7,106.85. The diversion rate was particularly low, with only 1 pound of recyclable material for every 110 pounds of waste, highlighting the need for a more effective waste management strategy.

OVERVIEW:

• Property Location: Washington, DC
  • Situated in the nation’s capital, this mixed-use property combines office and retail spaces, serving a diverse array of businesses and consumers.
• Type of Property: Mixed-use office and retail space
  • The property includes both office spaces and retail outlets, necessitating efficient and comprehensive waste management solutions.
• Square Footage: 368,945
  • Covering an expansive area of nearly 369,000 square feet, the property experiences high foot traffic and substantial waste generation.

SOLUTION AND RESULTS:

Through a comprehensive collaboration with waste vendors, city officials, and building management, we implemented a robust recycling program and optimized waste services. These measures led to a remarkable increase in material diversion rates and a significant reduction in the overall waste stream. Consequently, the property saw a dramatic decrease in annual waste management costs, resulting in substantial financial savings and enhanced sustainability.

WASTE SERVICE AND COST PRIOR TO OUR INVOLVEMENT:

• Trash: 1 – 34 yard self-contained compactor serviced multiple times per week
  • The high frequency of servicing the compactor reflected the large volume of waste being produced.
• Recycling: 4 – 60 gallon totes
  • The limited recycling capacity indicated that recyclable materials were not being adequately diverted from the waste stream.
• Average Monthly Spend Based on 6 Months Collected Data: $7,106.85
  • The significant monthly expenditure on waste services underscored the financial impact of inefficient waste management practices.

ANALYSIS:

• Waste Production:
  • Average of 17,540 pounds of waste per week
    • The property was producing a substantial amount of waste weekly, indicating major inefficiencies in waste management.
  • 160 pounds of recycling per week
    • The low volume of recyclables being collected highlighted the inadequate recycling efforts.
• Diversion Rate:
  • 1 pound of material for every 110 pounds of waste
    • This extremely low diversion rate emphasized the need for a significant overhaul of the waste management system.

OBJECTIVE:

• Collaborate with waste vendors, city, and building management to:
  • Increase material diversion rates for better sustainability
    • The goal was to enhance recycling efforts and reduce the environmental footprint of the property.
  • Renegotiate costs for service
    • By optimizing waste management, the objective was to lower the overall costs associated with waste services.

OUTCOME:

• Diversion Rates:
  • Increased from 160 pounds per week to 6,550 pounds per week
    • The dramatic increase in diversion rates illustrated the success of the new waste management strategy in boosting recycling efforts.
• Waste Stream:
  • Decreased from 17,540 pounds per week to 11,150 pounds per week
    • The significant reduction in the waste stream highlighted the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented to minimize waste generation.
• Cost Savings:
  • Average annual spend decreased from $85,282 to $51,612
    • The notable reduction in annual spending demonstrated the financial benefits of the optimized waste management practices.
  • Annual gross savings of $33,670
    • The substantial annual savings underscored the economic advantages of the improved waste management system.