Everyone needs to do their part to cut down on waste and prevent pollution problems from getting any worse. When it comes to low-hanging fruit, recycling is one of the easiest ways to cut down on waste. Rather than requiring any major behavioural changes, recycling is simply a matter of practising good habits.
Many people excel at recycling things around their home but fail to keep this up in an office setting. In fact, offices are some of the biggest contributors to waste problems in developed countries. Putting your office on the right track when it comes to recycling may simply require a bit of edification on what can be recycled.
Let’s look at some of the specific things around the office that you need to recycle.
Ink Cartridges
Most offices still rely on printing to generate all kinds of documents, memos, reports and the like. This can really add up when it comes to the amount of ink that your organisation goes through. Instead of throwing all of the leftover HP ink cartridges into the trash, it is important to take them to a proper recycling facility. Some ink cartridges actually have harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment, so make sure to be cautious by recycling them.
Organic Waste
Especially if you have many employees working in your office who all eat lunch on the premises regularly, then you need to have an organic waste bin set up. Collecting things like leftover food scraps, coffee grinds, and other compostable items, like paper towels, will significantly cut down on the amount of waste your office generates. In some cases, you may even set the ambitious goal to have a zero-waste policy in your office, of which compost is a crucial component.
E-Waste
If your office is like most, you probably upgrade your electronics every so often to keep up with the competition and make life easier for your employees. While having the newest televisions and computer monitors can be great for productivity, getting rid of the old ones can create a lot of e-waste. If you are getting rid of old electronic components, make sure to take them to a proper processing facility rather than including them in the general waste from your office. Managing office waste responsibly and sustainably is key to contributing to our environmental goals.
Paper And Paper-Based File Folders
Many offices are already diligent in recycling their paper products. You may even have a recycling bin located near your printer or photocopier to collect waste paper in your business. However, if you regularly throw your paper into the trash, then make sure to change this habit right away. Better yet, use waste paper for informal notes or draft documents that will not be used in a professional context.
Batteries
Offices generally use a lot of batteries to power remote controls or other devices. These batteries contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment if they are not properly disposed of. Instead of including them in your regular rubbish, make sure to take them into a recycling facility that will accept them. It can be helpful to have a bin in your office to collect them so that you can make the occasional trip to the recycling facility to make it efficient.
Reduce Your Office Waste
Changing your office habits and recycling these five items will go a long way towards cutting down on the waste your office creates. If you want to reap the benefits of being an eco-conscious company, then take the necessary steps to ensure that these items do not end up in the rubbish.
