When businesses talk about sustainability, Scope 3 emissions are often the elephant in the room. They’re the hardest to measure, the trickiest to control – and often hide a major blind spot: waste.
So, what exactly are Scope 3 emissions? And why does your rubbish play such a big role?
Let’s break it down.
What are Scope 3 emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions fall into three categories:
- Scope 1
These are direct emissions from your own operations – think fuel used on-site or in company vehicles. - Scope 2
These cover the indirect emissions from the energy your business uses, like electricity, heating or cooling. - Scope 3
This is the big one. These are all the other emissions in your value chain, from the goods you buy and the transport your team uses, to what happens to your waste after it leaves your site.
Scope 3 often makes up the largest slice of a company’s carbon footprint, sometimes over 70%. Yet, it’s the least understood.
Where does waste fit into Scope 3?
Waste-related emissions fall under category 5: waste generated in operations. That covers everything your business throws away – from packaging and paper to building rubble, broken furniture or scrap metal.
And here’s the crucial bit – how your waste is disposed of has a huge impact on your emissions:
- Landfill = methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas)
- Incineration = CO₂ emissions
- Recycling or reuse = fewer emissions, thanks to reduced need for raw materials
If your waste contractor sends most of your waste to landfill, that’s reflected in your Scope 3 emissions – and it could be holding back your sustainability goals.
The bottom line? The better your waste is handled, the lower your environmental impact.
Why should businesses care?
- Your clients expect it
Many companies now ask suppliers to provide carbon data, and that includes Scope 3 emissions like waste. - It’s vital for ESG reporting
Transparent waste management and recycling rates are crucial for environmental audits and sustainability statements. - It supports your net-zero goals
You can’t reduce what you don’t measure – and waste is a quick win to start cutting emissions. - It affects your reputation
Green claims can be challenged if your waste ends up in a hole in the ground.
In short, better waste practices lead to better environmental performance.
What can you do about it?
Here’s how to get a handle on your waste-related emissions:
- Know where your waste goes
Ask your waste contractor for a breakdown of how much is recycled, reused, incinerated or sent to landfill. If they can’t tell you, that’s a red flag. - Choose a partner who prioritises recycling
We send as little waste to landfill as possible, diverting materials to recycling, reuse and recovery routes wherever we can. - Track what you throw away
Keep records of your waste streams by weight or volume. This helps with reporting, but more importantly, it shows you where you can reduce, reuse, or do better. - Choose a provider who sorts and separates waste for you
You don’t need different collections when your waste partner (like us!) sorts and separates everything for maximum recycling. Whether it’s mixed construction waste, bulky items or general business rubbish, we ensure recyclable materials are recovered wherever possible. - Request waste reports
We can provide tailored recycling reports showing your percentage values for each material (wood, plastic, cardboard/paper, inert, metal, plasterboard, landfill, glass, greens and other waste).
Partner with a waste company that gets it
If you’re serious about reducing Scope 3 emissions, your waste provider should be too.
We help businesses of all sizes to:
- Divert waste from landfill
- Maximise recycling and recovery
- Measure and track carbon impact
- Stay compliant and competitive
Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, retail or services, we can help shrink your waste footprint and boost your environmental credentials.
Ready to take control of your Scope 3 emissions? Get in touch with our team today.