Recycling is a necessary part of public life in today’s world. We are all aware of the damages non-recycling does to the environment in which we live; so why do all businesses not yet partake in recycling programmes? Cost? Time? Space? These are no longer excuses that should be accepted. We all need to take a stand to protect our world. If we all make the smallest of changes, as a whole, it will have a massive benefit on the environment and therefore, on our future generations. So, how do we do this? Read on to find out.
Some interesting facts
- 1 recycled tin can save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
- 1 recycled glass bottle can save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
- 1 recycled plastic bottle can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
- 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.
Steps to take
1. Check to see if there are any recycling bins around the outside of the building. If not, get in touch with your local authority as these should have been provided.
2. Get the management team on board. Explain to the management that not only will a recycling program within the workplace help the environment around you, but it can boost staff morale and facilitate team building.
3. Decide which recycling bins you need and for where. If you produce more paper waste than plastic for example, then make sure you order more of these bins and place them in prominent areas such as next to the printer.
4. Remove desk bins. Studies show that we can reach a 60% recycle rate when disposing of our rubbish correctly in the appropriate bins rather than simply throwing it in the closest bin next to us.
5. Know what is recyclable. It is of key importance that all members of staff know what to recycle and what not to recycle. Here are some items that can be found in offices that can be recycled:
- Waste paper, including printed paper, unwanted files and notes, used envelopes
- Magazines and newspapers
- Cardboard boxes
- Old computers
- Printer toner cartridges.
- Old company phone
6. Provide information. Staff need to be trained up on what to dispose of in each bin. This could be done by sending out an email, getting team leaders to explain to each department, meetings or by offering a small training course on the subject.
Encourage staff to get involved
Make it a team effort. This can make the process a lot more fun and can educate those who are not as savvy as others.
Create a paper usage policy. 40% of office waste comes from paper. Make it a rule that the company only use recycled paper and use both sides of the sheet when possible when printing.
Stimulate employee participation. By recycling regularly, expenses will be reduced dramatically. Some of this money could be put back into the employee fund to pay for a gift or an office party.
If your office is not currently recycling, then changing the company’s attitudes towards it may take time. But don’t let this put you off. Use the pointers above to sway your workplace to change to recycling and begin on your eco-friendly business path.