Holiday spending is great for business but dealing with the increased waste that comes along with it can be a difficult job during an already busy season. We’ve got 5 tips to help you manage the clutter as you prepare for a successful holiday season.

1. Update your trash schedule
   You probably have a regular schedule for waste emptying, along with someone who owns this task. But leading up to the holidays, it’s critical to revise your current schedule to handle the increased trash volume. You’ll need to empty containers more frequently, and build in extra scheduled time for it. Be sure to communicate these changes to those responsible, and identify a back-up person who can help out to make sure you’ve got adequate coverage.
2. Use extra waste containers
   Consider using extra trash bins in high-traffic areas to handle the overflow. Commercial Zone has several waste and recycling containers that are lightweight and clearly labeled, so customers can easily identify them, and you can quickly remove waste. These bins also come with a unique, patented Grab Bag^TM system that locks trash bags in place, improving appearance and keeping the lid secure.
3. Revisit bin placement and visibility
   If you haven’t thought much about trash bin placement, now is a great time to do an evaluation. Walk through the public-facing areas of your facility, both indoors and outside. Are your trash containers visible? Are they obscured by furniture or merchandise? If you have recycling bins, are they labeled clearly? Be on the lookout for areas where customers tend to leave trash outside the container. You may be surprised at what you discover.
4. Conduct a trash audit
   This isn’t an activity for the faint of heart. But conducting a trash audit can be one of the best ways to determine which types of waste are taking up the most space in your containers – and help reduce them. You’ll want to identify the right time, place and resources needed to sort through your waste, then categorize it and document the most and least common types of trash. For more guidance on how to conduct a trash audit, see this How to Plan a Waste Audit article from Dumpsters.com.
5. Reduce excessive packaging
   Try to minimize any extra packaging (which could ultimately make its way into your trash) when your customers make a purchase. An easy way to accomplish this is to simply ask your customer if they want a bag rather than just automatically giving them one. You could also offer reusable shopping bags for purchase, and promote their use with a special discount or other incentive.

Looking to evaluate your trash container options to create a lasting impression for your customers? Contact us today to find an option that’s right for you.