Recycle Week: Are we recycling enough in the office?

We are often mindful about recycling at home, but do we take the same approach in the office?

According to research by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, 43% of 62,670 business locations surveyed didn’t have a regular recycling service – and this reduced to 32% for the 3,685 office sites polled.

“The quickest way to improve performance would be for each sector to learn from the higher performers, and for legislation to set minimum recycling levels for businesses,” says Adam Read MBE, chief sustainability and external affairs officer at SUEZ UK.

So, what are the recycling issues facing workplaces, and what can businesses do to improve things? As Recycle Week (October 14-20) begins, here’s a closer look…

An inconsistent approach

While there are recycling regulations that apply to UK businesses – for example, these encourage organisations to implement appropriate strategies, and ensure certain types of waste are disposed of in accordance with legal requirements – when it comes to recycling in the office, it’s easy for gaps to develop.

“The lack of legislation has left it up to each business to decide what services they want to offer and, more importantly, how much effort should go into providing facilities for employees to recycle and raising awareness,” says Read. “As a result, many people may have one recycling system at home and then face a completely different situation at work. This can lead to confusion, contamination of recyclable materials and disengagement in the process.

“Quality often gets overlooked, which means that different materials need to be kept separate, such as paper, cans and glass, as it’s much harder to recycle when these items are thrown in the same bin,” Read adds. “Other key things to avoid include leaving liquid in bottles, tops or caps loose in the bin, and food left in packaging, which can spoil a whole batch of recycling.” Recycling tech and office fixtures 

For offices, recycling goes beyond everyday waste – tech and building fixtures and fittings are also part of the picture. But there may be some big incentives for carefully considering your approach with this.

“Waste electricals are reusable, repairable and recyclable, but you must use reputable and certified companies to ensure this happens properly,” says Read. “If you’re not sure, ask your waste contractor or the local authority for list of suitable companies.

“You will be surprised how many opportunities are out there to do something better with these items and to generate significant social value too – for example, some organisations donate refurbished laptops to disadvantaged families or community groups,” he adds.

Meanwhile, recycling old furniture and flooring materials often requires a more bespoke service. “Check local options through the existing waste contractor and facilities management company,” suggests Read. “Otherwise, look for specialists online who can provide bespoke services.”

Quick tips for office recycling

Here are some key things all offices should be thinking about:

Savvy bin location

“Think about bin location,” says Read. “Having fewer waste bins around compared to recycling bins can help shift behaviour – requiring more effort to find a rubbish bin.”

Label recycling stations clearly

Furthermore, ensure labelling is clear and easy to follow.

“Investing in infrastructure, such as clearly labelled recycling stations throughout the workplace, is also crucial,” says Barbara Tomasella, senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Derby and fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.

Focus on valuable materials

Read suggests: “I’d recommend focusing on recycling or cutting waste of valuable materials, such as paper, aluminium cans and food, as these help reduce waste management costs, which could help organisations invest in new bins in the office.”

Don’t forget food waste

“Food waste is an important consideration in office recycling programmes too, and implementing composting initiatives can significantly reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfill,” highlights Tomasella.

Work with reputable waste management services

Tomasella adds: “Partnering with reputable waste management services can help businesses develop tailored recycling programmes that meet both regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.”

Organise training sessions

“Businesses looking to enhance their recycling efforts could start by implementing comprehensive education programmes for all employees,” says Tomasella. “Regular training sessions and clear, visually appealing signage can significantly improve recycling rates.”

Work on engagement

“Set up awareness campaigns around the office,” recommends Read. “We have seen some [organisations] run competitions between different offices or teams, which can work well.”

Conduct regular waste audits

Monitoring is vital for identifying gaps and problem areas, and as Tomasella adds: “Regular waste audits can identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.”

In ESG news this week:

• High levels of air pollution have led to significant increases in the number of vet visits for both cats and dogs, research suggests.
• The Government is speeding up the delivery of a “skills passport” to support oil and gas workers to move into jobs in renewables such as offshore wind, it has said.
• Ministers should consider raising taxes on petrol and diesel cars to reduce the “premium” associated with electric vehicle (EV) purchases, an economic think tank said.
• Electric wallpaper is being trialled as a green alternative to central heating in social housing properties in Glasgow.
• Microplastics have been found in dolphin breath, suggesting the animals could be exposed to the potentially harmful particles through inhalation.

ESG Press releases:

• 80% Will Pay More for Sustainable Shopping
• Ohmium Announces Collaboration with SwitcH2 BV and BW Offshore for Floating Green Ammonia Plant
• Quinbrook Secures Tesco and Shell Offtake Agreements from UK’s Largest Consented Solar + Battery Storage Project

Find out more about our ESG offering here: https://go.pa.media/l/314511/2022-11-07/l91tq

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