Laundry rooms are often overlooked when it comes to sustainability initiatives, but they are also one of the most resource-intensive spaces in any property. From water usage to plastic waste, every load of laundry presents an opportunity to reduce environmental impact. Building a low-waste laundry room not only benefits the planet but can also lower costs, improve efficiency, and appeal to eco-conscious residents and tenants.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to create a sustainable laundry room that reduces waste while maintaining top performance.
Why Create a Low-Waste Laundry Room?
Laundry accounts for significant resource use across both residential and commercial properties:
- Water consumption: Traditional washing machines can use up to 40 gallons per load, while high-efficiency machines use 15-20 gallons .
- Energy use: Heating water for laundry represents up to 90% of the energy a machine consumes per cycle .
- Plastic waste: Single-use detergent bottles contribute to plastic pollution, with fewer than 30% being recycled in the U.S. .
Transitioning to a low-waste model reduces utility bills, diverts waste from landfills, and positions your property or business as environmentally responsible.
Step 1: Choose High-Efficiency Laundry Equipment
The foundation of a low-waste laundry room is energy-efficient, water-saving machines. Look for equipment that is:
- ENERGY STAR® certified: These machines use about 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard models.
- Smart-connected: Cloud-enabled laundry machines allow operators to monitor usage, detect leaks, and optimize performance remotely.
- Durable: Investing in commercial-grade machines reduces landfill waste associated with frequent replacements.
Step 2: Switch to Sustainable Detergent Options
Traditional laundry detergents often come in bulky plastic jugs and contain chemicals that can harm waterways. Greener alternatives include:
- Concentrated detergents in refill pouches or boxes, which cut down on packaging waste.
- Laundry detergent sheets or pods, which eliminate plastic altogether.
- Bulk refill stations for apartment communities or laundromats, allowing residents to bring their own containers.
Step 3: Reduce Single-Use Waste in the Laundry Room
Low-waste laundry rooms focus on cutting disposable items:
- Dryer sheets can be swapped for reusable wool dryer balls, which last for hundreds of cycles.
- Plastic lint bins can be replaced with compost-friendly containers (lint can often be composted if free of synthetic fibers).
- Post signage encouraging residents to recycle detergent packaging properly.
Step 4: Optimize Water and Energy Use
Smart operations can cut waste even further:
- Cold water cycles: Washing with cold water reduces energy use by up to 90%.
- Proper load sizing: Encourage residents to run full loads, maximizing efficiency per wash.
- Maintenance schedules: Prevent leaks, clogs, and overuse of energy with regular servicing.
Step 5: Educate and Engage Users
A low-waste laundry room is most effective when residents, tenants, or employees are on board. Consider:
- Posting eco-friendly laundry tips in the laundry area.
- Offering incentives for residents who adopt sustainable habits, such as using refill stations or cold-water washes.
- Sharing savings and sustainability metrics with your community to highlight impact.
The Business Case for Low-Waste Laundry Rooms
Building a low-waste laundry room isn’t just about reducing environmental impact, it’s also smart business. Sustainable laundry practices can:
- Lower utility bills through reduced water and energy consumption.
- Increase tenant satisfaction by aligning with eco-conscious values.
- Support regulatory compliance as more cities and states set environmental standards.
Creating a low-waste laundry room is a win-win: it saves resources, cuts costs, and supports sustainability goals. By investing in efficient machines, reducing single-use plastics, and engaging residents in greener practices, property owners and managers can transform the laundry room into a hub of environmental responsibility.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. WaterSense: Laundry. https://www.epa.gov/watersense
- Energy Star. Laundry Products. https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/clothes_washers
- National Geographic. A Whopping 91% of Plastic Isn’t Recycled. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment
- ENERGY STAR. Clothes Washers and Dryers. https://www.energystar.gov