From 1–7 September, businesses across the UK will be stepping up to cut waste, protect the planet and lead by example. For businesses, Zero Waste Week is a golden opportunity to take action, spark change and show customers you’re serious about sustainability. Whether you’ve got big goals or just five minutes to make a start, there’s something every team can do, and it all adds up.
What is Zero Waste Week?
Zero Waste Week is a grassroots campaign that started right here in the UK in 2008, founded by environmentalist Rachelle Strauss. Though it began as a way to help households cut waste, it quickly grew into a global movement. Today, it reaches millions of people in over 80 countries, but it’s still proudly UK-led, with a strong focus on practical action and everyday impact.
The mission is simple: reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill by rethinking what we use, how we use it, and where it ends up. That includes cutting down on single-use items, improving recycling, and finding smart ways to reuse and repurpose materials.
For businesses, Zero Waste Week is a brilliant opportunity to step up. No matter your size or sector, you can take part — and you don’t need to be perfect. In fact, the goal isn’t to create zero waste overnight. It’s about making better choices, starting conversations and taking positive steps forward.
From small swaps to big-picture strategies, Zero Waste Week gives your team a reason to act and a platform to celebrate what you’re doing right.
Why it matters for your business
Taking part in Zero Waste Week is great for business as well as the planet. From cutting costs to boosting your brand, there are plenty of reasons to get involved.
Save money and resources
Waste is expensive. From over-ordering stock to paying for unnecessary collections, the costs can add up fast. Making small changes, like switching to bulk supplies or improving your recycling setup, can lower disposal fees, reduce wasted materials and make your operations more efficient. A cleaner, leaner system saves time and money.
Boost your brand
Customers care about sustainability, and so do your employees. Showing that you’re actively reducing waste sends a powerful message about your values. It builds trust, attracts eco-conscious customers, and makes for great PR. Sharing your Zero Waste Week efforts online or in-store can spark positive conversations and set your business apart.
Meet compliance and ESG goals
From bans on certain single-use plastics to mandatory food waste recycling, UK waste laws are tightening, and fast. Getting ahead now means less stress later. Participating in Zero Waste Week can also support your environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets, making it easier to report progress and show your commitment to a circular economy.
In fact, 63% of the UK public think businesses have a duty to act immediately on climate change. That’s a clear signal: doing the right thing isn’t optional — it’s expected.
How to take part in Zero Waste Week 2025
Getting involved in Zero Waste Week is simple. Whether you want to make quick changes for the week or use it as a launchpad for bigger goals, there are plenty of ways to take part. Here are some simple, effective ideas to get you started.
Quick wins for the week
- Switch to bulk supplies – cut packaging waste by ordering larger sizes of office staples, cleaning products or food items.
- Ditch disposables – bring in reusable mugs, glasses and plates for the staff kitchen or customer areas.
- Go paperless – swap printed handouts for digital versions and encourage e-receipts in retail or hospitality.
- Review single-use packaging – replace plastic bags, cups and cutlery with reusable or compostable alternatives.
- Set up recycling points – make sure bins for paper, cardboard, food, and general recycling are easy to find and clearly labelled.
Engage your team
Zero Waste Week is a great chance to build enthusiasm across your business. Try:
- Competitions – see who can bring in the least packaging or create the best zero-waste lunch.
- Introduce a ‘Bring Your Own Cup’ policy – encourage staff to swap disposables for reusables.
- Charity tie-ins – donate savings from waste reduction efforts to a local cause.
- Green champions – appoint volunteers to lead initiatives and keep the momentum going.
Tell your story
Sharing your progress helps inspire others and builds your brand reputation:
- Post updates on LinkedIn, Instagram or X, highlighting your team’s efforts.
- Add a section in your staff or customer newsletter about the week’s achievements.
- Use in-store or office displays to celebrate the impact you’re making.
Even small actions make a difference. Zero Waste Week is about progress, not perfection, so pick the ideas that suit your business best and start building from there.
What your business can do
Looking for business sustainability ideas? Every sector has its own challenges and its own opportunities to cut waste. But, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. A few smart changes can make a big difference and show customers and staff you’re serious about sustainability.
Retail
Shoppers are more eco-conscious than ever, and they’ll notice the small changes you make.
- Set up refill stations for everyday products such as cleaning supplies, toiletries or dry goods.
- Reward customers who bring their own bags or re-use packaging with a discount or loyalty points.
- Talk to suppliers about reducing unnecessary packaging, or choose partners who already keep it minimal.
Hospitality
From cafés to caterers, food and packaging waste can quickly pile up, but it’s also where the biggest wins are.
- Start a food waste recycling service or compost on-site if you have the space.
- Swap single-use cups, straws and cutlery for durable, reusable alternatives.
- Cut down on printing by using QR codes or digital menus. Customers are used to it and it saves both money and paper.
Offices
Even behind the scenes, small changes can add up.
- Switch to paperless processes for HR forms, payslips and meeting notes.
- Give old IT equipment a new life by donating or recycling through a certified scheme.
- Encourage a reuse culture by providing kitchen space for reusable lunch containers and coffee mugs.
Wherever your business fits, Zero Waste Week is a chance to get creative, involve your team and show what’s possible when you put waste reduction on the agenda.
How to keep the momentum going
Zero Waste Week is a brilliant springboard, but the real value comes when the changes stick. Here are three ways to build on your progress and keep waste reduction part of your business all year round.
Run a waste audit
A waste audit is a simple check of what’s going in your bins and how much of it could be avoided, reused or recycled instead. It gives you a clear picture of where your biggest challenges are, and where the quick wins lie. A business waste audits reveal surprising opportunities, making it the ideal starting point for lasting change.
Create a zero-waste policy
Put your ambitions into writing with a clear policy that guides everyday decisions. That could mean choosing suppliers with minimal packaging, favouring durable products over disposables, or training new starters on your approach from day one. A policy makes zero-waste principles part of your business culture, not just a one-off campaign.
Monitor and celebrate progress
Keep up momentum by tracking how much waste you’ve reduced and sharing the results. Regular updates help staff see the difference they’re making, while celebrating milestones builds pride and motivation. Whether it’s a team shout-out or a company-wide reward, recognition keeps people engaged and committed.
With the right follow-through, Zero Waste Week can be the spark that drives long-term savings, stronger engagement and a greener reputation.
How can First Mile help?
Zero Waste Week is the perfect moment to rethink how your business manages waste, and to find a partner who can help you go further. At First Mile, we make it simple, reliable and cost-effective to cut waste all year round.
Our zero-to-landfill promise means nothing we collect ends up buried in the ground. Instead, we recycle as much as possible and recover energy from the rest. From food waste and cardboard to WEEE recycling, secure shredding and even textiles, we’ve got collections to cover every type of business waste.
We also know that no two businesses are the same. That’s why we design bespoke solutions for offices, retailers, restaurants and beyond — helping you meet regulations, boost recycling rates and hit your sustainability goals without the hassle.
Zero Waste Week is a great time to start, but the real impact comes from building on it. Let’s make it the beginning of your year-round waste reduction journey, with First Mile as your trusted partner.
Your next steps to get ready
Zero Waste Week is only a few weeks away, so now is the ideal time to lock in your plans. Start by choosing one or two actions that feel achievable, then get your team together to set a date for kick-off. Whether it’s a recycling challenge, a menu refresh or a supplier review, having something concrete in the diary makes it real.
You can also tap into a host of guides and resources on the official Zero Waste Week website for inspiration. And if you want expert support to go further, from food waste collections to complete business recycling solutions, First Mile is ready to help.
Turn 1–7 September into the week your business makes a statement.
