We seem to know that there is a need to reduce waste globally to save our planet, and we need to start at home. However, when it comes to our workspaces, it is not always as obvious as it is at home. An office is a workplace that can produce a lot of rubbish on a daily basis, which is why you need to know how to make your business go green and implement some waste reduction ideas. Here are the top waste management tips for your office.
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Stop Throwing Away Electronics
A regular office uses a lot of electronic devices at all times, from laptops to smartphones and slide projectors. These days, unfortunately, none of those devices are made to last a long time, which is why over time you will end up with a lot of broken-down or old devices that you no longer want. E-waste, so unwanted electronics can be recycled. The trick is to find places where you can donate/sell them. You can start by taking them to a rubbish and recycling collection, like the local harrow rubbish collection. They will take your electronics and dispose of them properly by recycling them and reusing parts that still work.
Start Recycling
Opting for an office recycling service is another great idea to improve waste management at your office. Invest in quality bins and introduce centralized recycling and waste stations to promote sorting rubbish over throwing away everything to one bin without a second thought. Make sure to add some graphics explaining how to sort and recycle, so that your employees are well-informed and you lead by example.
Go Paperless
In today’s modern world, you really shouldn’t print everything on a piece of paper. Your office likely produces too many documents to have them all printed and lying around. There are different programs that you can use to create, store and exchange information in your company. Some of them are even free to use, which will also lower the costs of running the business.
Ban Bottled Water
Bottled water at an office is not the best idea out there. This system will create tons of plastic waste and will result in serious damage to the environment. Instead, introduce a water dispenser or a quality water filter for your tap.
And while you are at it, ban single-use cups for hot drinks as well. If you drink coffee every day at work, you can invest in a mug.
Get Rid of Personal Trash Bins
To encourage your employees to recycle and be more thoughtful about waste, get rid of their personal bins that are usually under every desk. By doing this, you will encourage your workers to participate in the green movement, as they will have to pass by the recycling bins and see the information on the surrounding graphics.
Create a Green Team
Set up a team of employees within your company that will be responsible for setting up the goals for the office recycling program and waste reduction initiatives. Having a green team within your business is a massive advantage, as they will spread the message and train other employees to create less waste. It is important to build engagement and shared responsibility. Include at least one person from each department in the team, so that no team feels excluded from the initiative.
Final Words
Waste management at an office is not that difficult once you establish a system and teach your employees the best practices so that your office is more green and sustainable. Go green, our planet needs you!