Do you recycle in the workplace?

Recycling in the workplace is still a relatively new thing. Whilst many of us know that we should be doing more to recycle, sometimes having the time to implement a recycling scheme can make us put it off. At Direct2U we have started to implement a recycling scheme in our workplace, but this got us thinking about what else we could do to make our office a greener environment.

Before you implement a recycling scheme there are a few things to do first:

1. Conduct a waste survey – see what types of recyclables you are throwing away so that you can start to plan how you can recycle these.
2. Look into a collection service – depending on your business you may need to organise a collection service for your recycling.
3. Publicize that you are starting to recycle around the office – take a look at the section below on how to encourage staff to recycle.

Once you’ve done the three steps above you are well on your way to having a Recycling at Work scheme. What you need to do now is make it work. It’s easy to slip back into old habits.

How can you encourage staff to recycle?

Getting staff on board with your ‘recycling at work’ scheme can be a trying task, especially if it’s not in everyone’s routine. Most people are used to recycling at home, but recycling in the workplace is a newer thing and may take time.

A few simple things can be done to help you encourage your staff to recycle:

1. Explain why it will save money and what the environmental benefits will be.
2. Put up reminders to recycling – posters are a great visually prompt.
3. Involve cleaning staff so that they know you are recycling and how they dispose of it.
4. Create your own recycling station in busy areas such as the canteen and office – take a look at some of these recycling stations to give you can idea what to use.

In our office we have started to think about the items which aren’t so easily recycled. We already collect our ink cartridges to be recycled and do simple things like thinking before we print and reusing paper. But what can we do about old CDs and unwanted mugs etc.?

Our Solution is Up-cycling Office Paraphernalia

Instead of throwing away unwanted mugs and glasses you can reuse them as desk tidies. Not only do they look attractive, they can brighten up your desk and personalise it. It will also stop the clutter of pens and pencils in your drawers.

If you use a lot of CDs then why not try up-cycling them too. Once you have finished with them you can reuse them as coasters for your desk or meeting rooms. Some CDs may have an attractive design which you like and they can bring a little fun to your office design (whilst putting stop to coffee rings).

If you have started a recycling at work scheme then we would love to know what you have done to make it work for your workplace and if you have any fun up-cycling ideas that we can do?