Poonam Bir Kasturi, founder of Bangalore-based composting solution provider Daily Dump, has helped companies such as IT major Mindtree and Mahindra Reva’s  production plants to manage their waste. She gives MYB a step-by-step guide on how companies can form their own office waste management programme.

1: The first step is to understand the kind of waste that is generated in the office. Differentiate the waste produced in terms of bio-degradable waste (includes kitchen waste, fruits, flowers); recyclable waste (plastic, paper, glass); toxic waste (medicines, batteries, chemicals) and rejects like sanitary waste that goes to landfills. Also, estimate the quantity of each type of waste that is produced. 60-80 per cent of office waste can be either composted or recycled. 

 2: Once that has been figured, put dustbins at the common areas in the office premises. It is better to put dustbins at short distances from each other rather than one big common dustbin. Also, ensure there is a separate dustbin for wet waste, recyclables such as plastic and paper, and toxic waste. The dustbins can be differentiated on the basis of colours or different stickers. This helps in segregation of waste. It is an absolute must in waste management because if the different kinds of waste gets mixed, it is very difficult to process it. 

 3: It is also essential to create awareness about the importance of waste management in your office. It has to be an inclusive policy where everyone from the top management to the lower echelons of the organisation is involved. First, explain its benefits to the maintenance staff since they will be the ones implementing the waste disposal process. Then, move on to all the employees. This can be done by dividing everyone in small batches and showing them a presentation or a small movie on waste management which can be followed by an interactive session. This can be repeated every six months so that the enthusiasm doesn’t die among the employees and it becomes their habit. 

 4: The last step is to devise a strategy for waste disposal. Dry waste needn’t be collected everyday. It can be stored in a separate space and collected once in two or three weeks. Wet waste has to be collected everyday. It can be composted, or if its quantity is huge wet waste can be converted into bio gas by installing a bio gas plant on site.3: It is also essential to create awareness about the importance of waste management in your office.