How to Start a Zero Waste Store

Though the task may seem daunting, starting a zero waste store or a refill store isn’t as difficult as you may think. When it comes down to it, you need to do your research, pick the right products and advertise. Get a more detailed look into how to start a zero waste store below to get started on building your own.

Do your Research

Before starting anew or converting your current business into a zero waste store, you’ll want to do some research. There are three main aspects you’ll need to look into when thinking about changing up your business ideas. These include:

• Competition – What competitors are in the area you’re looking to open in? What types of products do they sell and what’s something you can do differently?


• Market – Will there be enough potential shoppers in your area? Is this something customers in the area need or are interested in?


• Stocking & Delivery – Depending on your location, will you buy locally or in bulk? Is it more cost-friendly to receive bulk deliveries of popular products instead of frequent deliveries from a local farmer’s market?

Choose Zero-Waste Products

In addition to knowing what you’re up against in terms of competition, it’s important to know the needs of your customers. Opening a zero waste store is more efficient if you have products customers want and need. Here are a few popular waste-free items you should stock:

• Everyday essentials like laundry detergent, shampoos, bar soap and more


• Paper-free substitutes like cloth napkins, diapers and towels


• Reusable essentials including straws, to-go containers and cups


• Unpackaged pantry items like baking supplies

Zero-Waste Packaging

To go along with the zero waste theme of the store, stock up on gravity dispensers, large storage jars and even bulk bins to store and show off products. You can either provide reusable bags or cartons for customers to use to bring their goods home or you can encourage customers to bring their own containers.

Stocking Perishables

When stocking perishable foods, remember not to overstock. Most grocery stores overstock and around 30% of those items expire before they’re sold. Also, don’t be afraid of “ugly” produce. Just because it’s misshapen doesn’t mean it’s bad. You might also want to consider partnering up with a local business that takes in surplus/expiring goods. This way the goods can still be used.

Leverage Technology & Conserve Resources

Technology can also help you avoid producing waste in your store. Here are just a few ways that typical stores create waste as well as how you can avoid making the same mistakes:

• Digital Signs or QR Codes – With regular specials and rotating selections, you’ll be printing a lot of signs. Using QR codes or a digital sign that customers can connect to, you’ll have quite a bit less paper waste.


• E-Receipts – most stores print receipt after receipt. By switching to an e-receipt app or sending it to the customer’s email instead, you could avoid producing over 300 million pounds of waste annually.


• Social Media – Instead of advertisements in the mail or paper fliers at the door, you can use social media to boast about upcoming savings and more.

Conserving Resources

Another aspect of running a store most people overlook is resource waste. In addition to your goods and reducing paper waste with upgraded technology, it’s important to conserve water, electricity and even energy usage in the store.

Get Started

Now that you have the tools you need to start a zero waste store, you’re ready to open your own zero waste store. If you need more information on food trends or want to learn how to keep up with cleaning and maintenance, we can help.