How to Set Up a Company Recycling Policy for Paper
Setting up a company recycling policy for paper can be a great way reduce waste, establish good recycling initiative and protect the environment. This section explains the benefits of setting up a company paper recycling policy, how to set up the policy and what to consider when finding a waste contractor.
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Read about how setting up a paper recycling policy can benefit your company.
Read our steps to setting up an office paper recycling policy.
What to consider when finding and choosing the ideal paper recycling contractor for you.
What are the benefits of setting up a company recycling policy for paper?
- Recycling will improve your company image. You are more likely to make a good impression in your industry if you show your business cares about the environment and has a recycling program in place. Recycling can also improve your image with employees, as seeing recycling initiative in the office to reduce office waste can boost morale.
- You can save your business money. Reduced waste means reduced costs, so by recycling paper, you could be doing your business a favour as well. A recycling scheme can also mean your staff are more mindful about not using unnecessary paper.
- You are doing your part for the environment. Recycling business waste paper has a positive environmental impact. It conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps save landfill space.
How to set up an office recycling program for paper
Consider how large your business is and the types of paper you will be recycling
Before you set up a company recycling policy for business waste, it is important to consider how much paper you are likely to be recycling. This determines how many bins you will need and the size of your recycling container or bin. You can read more about how to choose a container or recycling box for paper here.
Consider what types of paper can be recycled
Think about the types of paper that are thrown away in your office. Types of paper that can be recycled include more than just white paper. Below are some of the common types of paper you can recycle:
- Brown parcel paper
- Cardboard
- Catalogues
- Photocopier paper
- Envelopes (with or without windows)
- Leaflets
- Newspapers and supplements
You can read more about the types of paper and paper products that can be recycled here.
Communicate with your staff
Once you have determined which types of paper you are recycling, you should communicate with your staff about your policy. It can help to use posters and signs above the paper recycling bin to distinguish it from other bins for recyclables such as glass, plastic waste, food, general waste or a mixed recycling bin. You should also place bins in communal, popular areas so that staff are reminded to recycle. Make sure everyone in the office knows which types of paper they can put in the recycling bin, and how the office policy works. Sending out emails is a good way to enforce your policy to the office staff.
Find a waste contractor
A paper recycling service can provide you with a free container, collect your paper for recycling and offer a shredding service. They are particularly useful if you have a lot of confidential papers that need destroying and shredding. When looking for an ideal paper recycling collection service for your company, you should consider the following:
- How frequent can it collect waste? You need to consider how much paper waste you are likely to have and how often waste collection will occur.
- Does it cater to the size of your business and your amount of waste? This is important, as you may be provided with a container that is too small if your contractor tailors towards smaller businesses than yours.
- How will it charge you? You need to know how much and how often you will be charged.
- Does it recycle the types of paper you wish to recycle?
- Does it offer on-demand collection or do it in regular slots?
- Can it collect waste directly from your office or will it need you to deliver it to a drop-off facility first?
- Does it hold a waste carriers license? It is vital that the contractor you select to transport your recycling to a facility holds a waste carriers license.
You can read more about office paper recycling services here.
Russell Richardson can source recycling services and fully manage waste streams for organisations of all sizes. Our dedicated account manager can provide tailored solutions and suitable bins for your waste paper. You can read more about how we can help you here.