Workplace recycling is one of the best ways your business can reduce waste, cut costs, and operate more sustainably. Whether you’re managing a small office or a large commercial site, a simple and efficient recycling system at work makes a real difference. In this guide, we share practical tips to help you improve your workplace recycling and set up a system that works for everyone.
How to improve workplace recycling
To improve workplace recycling, focus on reducing contamination, making bins more accessible, and ensuring everyone understands what can and can’t be recycled.
- Conduct a workplace waste audit: Identify the main types of waste your business produces (e.g. paper, plastics, food waste, or non-recyclables). This helps you understand where to focus your recycling.
- Use clear bin signage: Label every workplace recycling bin with easy-to-understand text, colour codes, and images. The clearer it is, the more of your waste gets properly recycled.
- Position recycling bins for convenience: Place recycling bins next to your standard waste bins in areas like kitchens, break rooms, and near printers. The easier it is to recycle, the more likely staff will do it correctly.
- Train cleaning staff: Cleaning teams play a key role in your recycling success. Make sure they understand how to handle recyclable waste properly.
- Keep recycling consistent: Recycling efforts can easily slip if no one takes responsibility. Assign someone to oversee the process and maintain momentum.
- Adjust bin sizes: Use smaller bins for general waste and larger ones for recycling to encourage better habits across the workplace
How to promote workplace recycling
Promoting workplace recycling is all about communication and leadership. You need to make recycling easy and part of everyday culture at work. Here are some of the best ways to promote it:
- Lead by example: Encourage leadership teams and department heads to recycle at work. When staff see managers taking recycling seriously, they’re more likely to follow suit.
- Use internal campaigns: Keep recycling top of mind by sharing regular updates and tips. Use emails, posters, and internal messages to explain what goes in each bin and why it matters. Rotate messages every few weeks to keep engagement high.
- Run recycling challenges: Make recycling more engaging by introducing friendly competitions between teams or departments. Small rewards, like a coffee voucher or team lunch, can boost motivation and teamwork.
- Celebrate success: Publicly highlight progress to keep momentum going. Share monthly stats in newsletters or team briefings. Visuals such as graphs or infographics help staff see the impact of their actions.
- Include recycling in onboarding: Introduce new starters to your recycling systems from day one. Show them where bins are located and what goes where.
Did you know? In 2022, less than half (47%) of SMEs in the UK were using a commercial recycling service. From 2027, it will be compulsory for all businesses.
Why workplace recycling is important
Workplace recycling helps your business reduce its environmental impact and cut waste disposal costs. Here are more reasons why it matters:
- Reduces emissions: Landfills produce harmful gases like methane, so every kilogram of office waste diverted from landfill makes a difference.
- Lowers disposal costs: General waste collection is typically more expensive than recycling. Reducing general waste could save up to £1,000 a year per employee.
- Supports legal compliance: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, businesses must manage and dispose of waste responsibly using licensed waste management partners.
- Builds a responsible brand image: Clients, customers, and shareholders value sustainability. Demonstrating strong recycling practices helps strengthen your reputation and credibility.
How to set up a workplace recycling system
Setting up a workplace recycling system doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving an existing setup, follow these steps:
- Audit your waste: Review the main types of waste your workplace produces, such as paper, plastic bottles, food waste, and packaging.
- Choose your bin types: Under the Simpler Recycling rules, workplaces must separate key waste streams including Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR), glass, food waste, and general waste.
- Label clearly: Use colour coding and simple icons. Keep instructions visual and straightforward.
- Place bins where waste is produced: Install bins in kitchens, by printers, and near desks. Always position recycling next to general waste.
- Work with a reputable recycling partner: Choose a licensed waste carrier that offers reliable collections and contamination feedback.
- Educate your team: Launch your recycling system with a short session or internal campaign. Remind staff that small actions add up.
- Review performance: Monitor your recycling stations and adjust if contamination stays high. Share progress with your team to encourage consistency.
Trust Wheeldon Brothers with your workplace recycling
At Wheeldon Brothers, we’re a family-run, eco-driven waste removal partner helping Greater Manchester businesses stay compliant and reduce their environmental impact. With over 90% of the waste we collect diverted from landfill, we offer a smarter, more sustainable approach to business waste management.
From flexible commercial bin hire and regular collections to free waste audits and full compliance support, we make it easy to manage workplace recycling responsibly and in line with the new Simpler Recycling rules.
Call us on 0161 764 2000 to get started today.
