How to Handle the Summer Surge in Packaging Waste Efficiently

With warmer weather and longer days, summer brings a surge in consumer activity. Increased tourism, events, festivals and takeaway purchases all lead to a sharp rise in packaging waste. For businesses, especially in hospitality and retail, managing this increase effectively is not only good for the environment, but also essential for compliance and maintaining smooth operations. 

With the help of phs Wastekit, you can use reliable tools like waste balers and compactors to help your business keep on top of waste this season.

How do the summer months impact waste?

Research by Lancaster University took a closer look at how the summer months lead to an increase in single-use plastics such as bottled water, takeaway packaging and disposable cutlery. Tourism, festivals and holiday habits mean people are more likely to buy plastic-packaged items while out and about. This can overwhelm local waste systems, particularly in areas with high visitor numbers. Staycations, beach days and camping trips add to the pressure, especially when people are unfamiliar with local recycling rules. The result is a seasonal spike in litter, packaging waste and pressure on collection services.

Around 11.8 million Brits say recycling becomes less of a priority during the summer months, despite having good routines throughout the rest of the year. 

Handling summer packaging waste for your business

It’s important to maintain recycling habits during the summer months, and while individuals have a big part to play, it’s important that businesses do their bit too. Some of the steps businesses can take to reduce summer packaging waste include:

Reduce single-use packaging at source

Audit your current packaging use and consider switching to alternatives that create less waste. Whether that means offering refillable toiletries or using recyclable containers for takeaway food, cutting down on single-use items in the first place makes a big difference.

Encourage recycling with clear bins and signage

Use clearly labelled recycling stations around your premises to make it easy for customers and staff to recycle correctly. Separate bins for plastics, cardboard and general waste reduce contamination and help improve your recycling rates.

Use waste balers and compactors

Waste balers and compactors from phs Wastekit help you manage large volumes of cardboard, plastic and other packaging more efficiently. They compress waste into smaller, stackable units, reducing the number of collections needed and freeing up valuable space on site.

Sell your cardboard recycling

Baled cardboard is often valuable and can be sold to recycling firms. This not only offsets some of your waste management costs but also supports your sustainability goals. phs Wastekit equipment creates bales that meet industry standards, making them easier to trade or dispose of responsibly.

Train your staff effectively

Make sure your team knows how to separate waste correctly and use balers or compactors safely. A well-informed team helps keep operations smooth, reduces risks and improves your overall recycling performance. Staff may need refreshers from time to time if they’re not used to dealing with waste regularly. 

Track and review your waste output