Practical steps every UK business can take to reduce waste in 2025
Sustainability can feel overwhelming. Targets, regulations, and customer expectations are rising fast. But for most businesses, progress starts with simple steps that reduce waste, cut costs, and show real commitment.
Here are five practical actions UK organisations can take today.
1. Run a simple energy and waste audit
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. A quick review of your site will reveal where energy and resources are being wasted. Look for:
Lights and heating left on unnecessarily
Old equipment draining power
Single-use materials piling up in bins
Audits don’t need to be complex. Even small findings can save thousands of pounds a year.
2. Reduce packaging and rethink materials
Many businesses still use packaging that is costly to dispose of and hard to recycle. Switching to recyclable or reusable alternatives cuts waste and often saves money.
Retailers can redesign bags and food packaging.
Offices can switch to recycled paper and reusable supplies.
Hospitality sites can use refill stations instead of single-use plastics.
3. Prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme
With the UK DRS launching in 2027, businesses selling drinks need to start planning now. Installing reverse vending machines is one way to automate compliance, reduce litter, and engage customers with instant refunds.
Street bins only capture around 60% of bottles and cans. RVMs can achieve return rates of up to 95%. Acting early means less disruption later.
4. Build a responsible supply chain
Every product has a footprint. Choosing suppliers who use renewable energy, sustainable materials, or ethical practices makes your own impact smaller. It also reduces risks from future regulation and builds trust with customers.
5. Engage your employees and customers
Change sticks when people feel part of it. Simple steps include:
Setting up clear recycling points in offices and public areas
Sharing progress with staff and celebrating wins
Rewarding customers for recycling or choosing low-impact products
These actions make sustainability visible and strengthen loyalty.
Final thought
Reducing waste is not just good for the environment. It also saves money, builds resilience, and prepares your business for upcoming regulation like the Deposit Return Scheme.
We’ve published a 2025 Sustainability White Paper with more practical strategies, case studies, and the full 5 C’s framework.
