All workplaces generate waste, and while manufacturing industries tend to produce the most, it is surprising how much material can be recycled through general office work. If you are looking for effective and efficient ways to manage your office waste, this guide is for you.
What waste is produced through office work?
- Paper – Paper is often the most abundant recyclable material in any office. While many processes within offices are computer based, office work still generates a lot of paper waste. The good news is that paper is one of the easiest materials to recycle. While it is good to have paper recycling bins in every office, a better way to store paper before it is sent for recycling is to shred and/or compress it. Look at recyclingbalers.com as this is one company where waste machinery can be bought to suit any office space.
Shredding and compressing paper means that more of it can be stored in one place, and because it is shaped into bales, it makes it easier to transport.
- Plastics / Glass – if your staff eat lunch and other snacks onsite, then there is likely to be plastic waste that can be recycled. Single use plastics such as drink bottles and coffee cups are becoming a big problem for the environment, and most people are happy to recycle if appropriate bins are provided.
Waste machinery can compact and bale a variety of materials, including plastics, and may be something to consider investing in if you have a large, office-based workforce.
- Electronics – old electronic equipment that is no longer working or in use can be recycled. Often they can be refurbished, or the working components re-used. There are companies that will collect old electrical equipment from your office, and a simple internet search will bring up some results in your area.
- Food Waste – using bins to collect food waste, such as fruit and vegetable, or sandwich leftovers from staff lunches, is another way that an office can put waste to good use. Food scraps can be collected by a local service, and made into compost.
How to Encourage Recycling in an Office
Having a recycling policy in an office not only helps the environment, but puts the feel-good factor in your team.
One way to help staff recycle is to provide a central point where there are bins that are clearly labeled for different materials. Removing personal trash bins from desk areas will mean that staff have to visit the designated recycling bins to dispose of personal and office waste.
You can also remind staff of the importance of recycling through wall posters, and include a message on staff intranet and email footers. Another fun way to encourage more recycling in the office is to create challenges and give prizes for those who recycle the most, or help others to recycle more.
Recycling is a habit that any office can adopt. With the right equipment, like appropriate bins, shredding and baling machinery, recycling can become an efficient part of a well-run office.
