subject: Implementing An Office Recycling System [print this page] Implementing An Office Recycling System Implementing An Office Recycling System
So you want to work so that you're easier on the environment? Well, that's a good start. Often, the easiest part is recycling and cutting down on the amount you contribute to the waste stream and the landfills. First of all, you'll need to set up your system. In most areas, you are able to recycle paper, cans and some plastics. If you're not sure, check with a local office recycling company (such as Green Deeds Ltd) as to what services they provide regarding recycling, and what they haven't. Do not forget to inform your office cleaner about that as well. Next, you'll need to get the equipment for a recycling system. If your local recycling company is nice, they'll provide you with recycling bins as a part of their waste-and-recycling collection system. If they aren't, you'll have to provide your own. The most eco-friendly way is cardboard boxes (which are themselves recyclable) or else using plastic bins. You may be able to pick up some cheap second hand bins if you don't want to buy new ones.
Now, I can't tell you exactly where to put your bins - or how many you should have, as I can't see your canteen or office. But I'll tell you one system that works for many offices, and you can adapt this to suit yourself.
* GOOS (Good On One Side) paper. This is stored flat in a cardboard box and is used for any pen and paper work that isn't going public - rough drafts, shopping lists, telephone messages.
* Other paper and cardboard. If you have a log fire, you can keep some of these as fire starters, plus other newspapers, etc. for spreading out under paintings, lining guinea pig cages, scrunching up and stuffing inside wet Wellingtons to dry them, etc. What doesn't get burned or can go into the guinea pig cage will be recycled.
* The Bag of Bags. If you have plastic shopping bags, you'll find multiple uses for them, or else they'll need to be recycled. Have a Bag of Bags hanging up where you can shove clean plastic bags until use or recycling. A proper Bag of Bags is a long tube of cloth with a drawstring closure at each end. Or you can just use one of the more presentable shopping bags.
* Compost bowl. A retired coloured aluminium serving bowl from the 1960s for any other organic waste generated in the kitchen (eggshells, orange peel, nutshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, plum stones). Lives on the top of the canteen bench to remind me to empty it frequently, as well as being handy.
* Other recycling. This is a recycling company provided bin for old bottles, jars and tins. If you have to sort things, then sort them as you toss them into the bins. Name the bins.
