The Back-of-Store Circularity and Operational Waste Diversion or Reduction Award recognizes excellence in back-of-store circularity and operational waste reduction across retail stores, distribution centres, and back-of-house operations. It highlights initiatives that prioritize the waste hierarchy, including waste prevention, reuse and recycling, and that demonstrate operational rigor, disciplined measurement, and innovation in managing complex or traditionally hard-to-recycle waste streams.
Introduction (100 Words)
Please include the following in your response:
- Name of company
- Name of initiative
- Brief overview of the initiative
Needs and Objectives (300-500 words) – 15%
Please include the following in your response:
- The needs of the initiative
- The stakeholders involved
- The objectives or purpose of the initiative
Program Details & Results (600-1000 words) – 65%
- Describe what was implemented across stores/DCs/back-of-house operations and which waste streams were targeted, including any hard-to-recycle materials.
- Explain how the initiative drove waste prevention (avoidance) and reuse, and how recycling/diversion performance was improved (including contamination reduction where relevant).
- Demonstrate results to date using clear metrics (e.g., tonnes avoided/diverted, diversion rate, contamination rate, waste per store, cost savings, % of locations covered).
- Describe how consistent execution was achieved (standard procedures, training, signage, vendor requirements, collection logistics, audits/quality controls), including any new operational model, technology, or contracting approach.
- Explain how performance is monitored and improved over time (measurement method, governance/accountability, learnings) and how the approach can be replicated across more sites or waste streams.
- Explain how the change supports broader circularity targets.
- Any other elements that you would like to highlight about the initiative.
Supporting Evidence: 10%
- Supporting visuals, data summaries, dashboards, or documentation
- Brief descriptions explaining what each item demonstrates
- Third-party validation where relevant
*Open to retailers