Page 229 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

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COMMUNICATING AND

LEVERAGING SUCCESS

Oftentimes, the waste minimization team will discover that the various departments in
the facility are working on similar projects and often had the same frustrations. For
example, two departments may be recycling aluminum cans, but not utilizing the same
vendor or method, reducing leverage against the vendor. There can be a lack of syn-
ergy between departments and no established method for them to communicate. The
need for mentoring and communicating lessons learned can be satisfied in a variety of
ways. Many organizations have been successful in accomplishing this goal by creat-
ing a Web site or intranet to discuss the current waste minimization projects, goals,
and results. The internal Web site can contain

■ A list of current projects and results
■ A project-selection process that maps steps
■ Templates for project proposals
■ Templates for project reports
■ Presentations completed by the waste reduction team and management
■ Lessons learned
■ Contests for projects of the month

Coordination of the waste minimization projects and Web site is critical to the com-
munication efforts; if the Web site is not maintained, it is better not to use one. The
waste minimization team leader or a dedicated executive leader is the best individual
to monitor and control this Web site and facilitate communication. If this function is
overlooked, an organization can waste time and resources in completing similar projects
and constantly reinventing the wheel.
A key component of the communication process is project reports and status
updates to upper management. These reports should be created in a one-page exec-
utive summary format. An effective report can consist of a few good tracking charts
and associated text description. A periodic review process is a good idea as well.

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