As summer rolls in and business ramps up, many companies in Port Coquitlam are experiencing a seasonal increase in plastic waste, from packaging and shipping supplies to disposable service items and product wrapping. Warmer weather also often means more foot traffic, more events, and more consumption, all of which can lead to higher volumes of waste if not managed carefully.
For commercial operations looking to reduce their environmental footprint this summer, cutting down on plastic waste is an effective and visible place to start. Whether you’re a restaurant, retail store, warehouse, or office-based company, this guide will help your business take meaningful steps toward smarter plastic disposal.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Tackle Plastic Waste
Summer often brings about changes in how businesses operate. From increased inventory turnover to higher customer volume, it’s common for commercial waste production to spike in the warmer months. Unfortunately, much of that waste includes single-use plastics and packaging that typically end up in landfills—or worse, the environment.
Commercial Plastic Disposal Port Coquitlam services are increasingly in demand during the summer season, helping businesses manage the seasonal surge in waste responsibly. Professional recycling partners can ensure plastics are properly sorted, recycled, or redirected from landfills wherever possible.
Step 1: Audit Your Plastic Waste
The first step in reducing plastic waste is understanding how much your business produces. Conduct a simple audit by checking:
- Packaging used for shipping or receiving goods
- Supplies like plastic cutlery, cups, or bags
- Single-use plastics provided to customers
- Internal office plastics (e.g., bottled water, packaging tape, shrink wrap)
Track what types of plastics are being discarded most frequently and in which departments or processes they’re used.
Step 2: Reduce and Replace
Once you know your plastic pain points, start exploring sustainable alternatives. For example:
- Switch to compostable containers and utensils in cafes or food services
- Use reusable bins or totes for deliveries instead of shrink wrap
- Replace bubble wrap or plastic fillers with shredded paper or cardboard packaging
- Offer discounts to customers who bring their own bags or reusable containers
These small changes can make a big impact when scaled across an entire operation—and customers will take notice.
If your business also handles chemical or industrial materials, take care not to confuse these with plastic recycling. Items like solvent containers or oil-soaked plastics fall under hazardous waste disposal Port Coquitlam guidelines and require special handling.
Step 3: Improve Your Disposal Strategy
No matter how much you reduce, plastic will still find its way into your waste stream. The key is to ensure it’s disposed of properly. Many plastics, especially in commercial settings, cannot be recycled through standard municipal programs and require specialized services.
This is where Commercial Waste Disposal services come in. They provide businesses with custom solutions for mixed-material waste streams, including large volumes of plastics, cardboard, wood, and non-recyclables. A reliable waste partner ensures proper pickup, segregation, and processing in line with Port Coquitlam’s environmental standards.
Step 4: Train Your Team
Sustainability is a team effort. Make sure your staff understands your waste reduction goals and knows how to properly sort and dispose of plastic. Post signage around waste bins, conduct short training sessions, and designate a waste leader or team to monitor compliance.
Consider creating internal incentives or recognition programs to reward departments that cut down their plastic output the most.
Step 5: Partner With Local Experts
The logistics of handling large volumes of plastic waste can be overwhelming, especially during peak business seasons. That’s why it helps to work with a trusted local provider.
Canadian Empire Recycling serves Port Coquitlam and surrounding areas with customized commercial plastic disposal services. Whether you need one-time cleanouts or regular pickup schedules, their team ensures your plastic waste is managed efficiently, ethically, and by environmental regulations.
They handle various types of plastics, including shrink wrap, rigid plastics, containers, packaging, and more. Partnering with professionals not only reduces your environmental impact but also frees up your time to focus on growing your business this summer.
Reducing plastic waste during the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple audit, a few operational changes, and support from experts like Canadian Empire Recycling, your Port Coquitlam business can make a big difference.
This season, take the opportunity to align your business with sustainability goals, cut down on unnecessary plastic, and set an example in your industry. Contact Canadian Empire Recycling to discuss your commercial plastic disposal needs and create a waste strategy that works for you.