Materials
GOAL: Zero waste. Increase diversion rate to 90% by 2035
Goal update
Baseline (2020): 35%*
2024: 26%
Goal: 90%**
*Waste data requires several assumptions including volume-weight conversions and projecting data for branches with missing data. Actual diversion rate may differ.
** Goal is for corporate locations only. First National is committed to improving the diversion rate of all branches by ensuring, at a minimum, robust recycling infrastructure.
Annual savings: 2.5 million pounds of waste diverted from the landfill
First National diverts material away from the landfill through a robust recycling program.
Recent Efforts
Comprehensive Waste Streams in Corporate Buildings
A recycling program was launched in our Corporate Buildings in March 2022 and continues to be rolled out in other locations. At the Tower, this program has allowed us to repurpose a landfill compactor to collect recycling, with landfill waste decreasing significantly. As we move forward, we will be analyzing Retail locations in an effort to standardize, streamline, and promote recycling across the board. Below are the streams being captured for diversion from the landfill:
- Mixed recycling (plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum)
- Compost (food waste, paper towels)
- Hefty EnergyBag (soft plastics, styrofoam, non-recyclable hard plastics like cutlery)
Education and engagement around the recycling program have helped employees transition to the new system smoothly.
Eliminating Styrofoam
Our catalog will no longer include styrofoam as we continue our phased elimination of these products.
Composting Program
First National has implemented composting in common areas and restrooms in several locations. The Interchange Cafe has also converted to using only compostable and recyclable products.
Centralized Waste and Recycling
With the addition of the new recycling program, we are also moving to a centralized waste collection system, which is a best practice for reducing waste. With stations placed in convenient community access points and fewer individual waste bins, we can save on plastic waste and increase our diversion rate.
Tower Waste Improvements
Based on a waste audit, the diversion rate on an average Tower floor is now 67% compared to a 35% system-wide baseline in April 2020! This accomplishment comes from the many efforts, some of which are listed above.
Upcoming Projects
Engage Employees
With several new programs, FNBO will educate and engage employees about how to use the new waste systems and help support waste diversion efforts.
Expand Waste Systems
First National plans to roll out the new waste system to the Business Park and expand recycling at branch locations.
