Recycling habits must improve to avoid contaminated waste and those aged 18 to 34 are the worst offenders, new data has shown.
Millennials (those born after 1981) represent more than 80% of the UK labour market so Unisan UK urge businesses to play their part to help educate waste management amongst their own work force.
The most common sectors for employment of millennials are the wholesale and retail sector (13.5% of working millennials), health and social work (12.4%) and education (9.8%) but no doubt this would cover many more including call centres.
Better waste management amongst your work force is a win:win situation:
• Reduces your waste collection costs
• Reduces your cleaning costs whilst improving cleanliness
• Improves your brand image amongst your staff (remember, millennials love taking photos and socially sharing)
• Improves productivity as aids the principles of 5S ( LEAN )
• Improves your Corporate Social Responsibility
• Provides that feel good factor that you are doing your bit for the greater good – our environment.
So, how can you help?
Education and habit formation! Habit formation is the process by which a behavior, through regular repetition, becomes automatic or habitual. So, create an environment where habits can be formed.
Millennials are more likely to interact with visuals, just look at the success of Pinterest, Instagram and Snapchat.
Recycling stations or recycling systems are becoming more popular and are a perfect tool to improve waste management and create positive recycling habits.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-41187106
House of Commons Library – Briefing Paper – Millennials 11th April 2017