Together with a logistics partner, we took on the challenge of understanding the residual waste generated and how it is disposed of. In conclusion, six different Zero Waste Weeks at individual locations showed a combined residual waste volume savings potential of as much as 86%, and there was even 1 location that could go to a separation rate of 93% with perfect separation with an associated CO2-savingspotential of as much as 43%!
5S: the common thread on the shop floor
A common Japanese term in logistics that focuses on workplace organization and improvement technique is the 5S method. The same method can also be applied to dealing with waste.
This 5S method brings structure and efficiency to logistics. With Seiri (Sorting), only necessary material is kept and unnecessary waste is separated. With Seiton (straighten), everything is given a fixed place, including waste bins and recycling points. Seiso (shine) keeps the workplace and waste areas neat and safe. Seiketsu (Standardize) creates clear rules for waste separation and recycling, and thanks to Shitsuke (sustain), employees consistently follow these agreements. Thus, 5S not only provides clear structure, but also ensures correct action with regard to the waste that is generated.
From measurement to insight: this is how Zero Waste Week went
How does our logistics partner now take its employees to standardize and stand their waste? It started with a Zero Waste Week on site.
We supervised the first Zero Waste Week and the subsequent 5 our partner conducted independently.
Conducting a Zero Waste Week that involved all kinds of different stakeholders from the organization ensures that there is broad support.
It started with getting employees excited on Day 1 by sharing engaging & interactive waste trivia and then diving into the waste bins on site.
Then each day colleagues separated & weighed the waste, and at the end of the week the measured results were processed.
In fact, a zero waste week takes an entire week to get a representative picture and calculate the savings potential! This is necessary because of the varying occupancy on site from day to day.
This week was then repeated by our partner at 5 other locations, the results were merged and from this emerged a great opportunity for improvement in separation, reducing residual waste and thus savingCO2.
Insight that leads directly to CO₂ benefits
The results are listed, anonymized in percentages and from all locations together. This is the average composition of their waste streams, when collected perfectly.
| GFT | Glass | Wood | Paper | Plastic | Metal | Back paper | Residual waste |
| 10,23% | 8,77% | 8,99% | 20,65% | 27,83% | 7,38% | 2,58% | 13,57% |
In the table you can see that actually only 13.57% of the waste has to be real residual waste. This would give a separation rate as high as 86%.
When zooming in on one location of the six, where the goal of a 93% separation rate is realistic, this immediately results in a tremendousCO2 saving of 43%! Which for this location equals some 88190.45 kgCO2 equivalent. This is because each waste stream has its ownCO2 equivalent which can be used to calculate the total savings!
This requires 3,674 trees to work and this is as much as the annualCO2 emissions of some 47 four-person households.
With the structure and clarity that the 5S method brings to the work processes, the locations have every opportunity to actually realize the calculated savings potential.
Why acting now pays off
The announced CO₂ levy and rising waste disposal taxes make reducing residual waste more urgent than ever. The Zero Waste Weeks show that with a structured approach and clear work processes, much more is possible than is often thought. By deploying the 5S method and working in a data-driven way, insight, peace of mind and above all, real potential for savings are created.
With this approach, we expect the locations involved to be in an excellent position to actually realize the calculated savings potential. It not only delivers cost savings, but also contributes directly to reducing CO₂ emissions, a real win-win.
Also working on reducing your (residual) waste and CO₂ emissions? Milgro developed a method to measure and data-driven reduce CO2 emissions, you can find it here.
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