Types of paper recycling bins for the office and how office paper recycling works
On average, 60-80% of office waste is paper. Recycled paper is often used in the manufacture of new products, often hygiene products such as toilet paper. Having the right paper recycling bin for your office is the first step in establishing an effective office paper recycling program. Recycling bins of all kinds are available for offices, from smaller dimensions to large. Most containers are available in materials such as steel, polyethene and other types of plastic. This section will explain the different kinds of office recycling bins, and how to choose the best one for your company.
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How you can determine which type of paper recycling bin you need.
Guidance on where you can get your container or bin for office paper recycling
How to recycle confidential waste, and how recycling and shredding services such as Russell Richardson can help you.
How to encourage your office to recycle, and what should be considered in an office paper recycling program.
Choosing office recycling bins for paper
To determine the best paper recycling bin for your office, you should first consider the type of paper you are recycling. Are you recycling confidential paper or general office paper? If your documents are confidential, you can read the confidential paper section for guidance.
Conduct a waste audit
Conduct a waste audit to understand what types and how much waste is being produced by your business. An audit will help determine which types of paper your business needs to recycle and how much waste needs collecting.
You can read about the kinds of paper that can be recycled in the office here.
Use lockable paper recycling bins for confidential waste paper
Adding more specific containers may extend your recycling, for example, lockable, confidential paper waste bins. You can read more about our confidential waste shredding services here.
Choose a colour-coded bin
To avoid employees getting confused about the general waste bin, mixed recycling and the paper recycling bin, ensure they are coloured differently. Green paper recycling bins are particularly popular in offices.
Consider how much storage space your business has for recycling bins and containers
Determine the ideal size for your paper recycling bin based on how much space is available in your office. A smaller bin with more frequent collection from a recycling service may be ideal if you have a lack of office space.
Use clear signage and graphics
Clear signage and graphics on the paper recycling containers are also advised to let your employees know what can and cannot be recycled. This helps to minimise cross-contamination while serving to promote your programme at the same time.
Consider the location of your paper recycling bin
Place a paper recycling bin in all offices in your business. Office recycling bins for the kitchen are popular amongst companies, as they are placed in an accessible, communal area. Putting paper recycling bins next to photocopiers and printers or where staff often pass by is also a good idea. Office recycling bins are also accessible in businesses, as they provide a clear reminder to workers and are always in view. Ensure your employees or co-workers are clear on which type of recycling the bin is designed for to avoid confusion.
Where to get an office paper recycling container
Some recycling services will provide you with a free paper recycling bin as part of their service. You can also purchase a recycling bin independently.
At Russell Richardson, we offer a full container, collection, recycling and disposal service for all your waste; fully managed by Russell Richardson.
We can help source recycling services and fully manage waste streams for organisations of all sizes. Your dedicated account manager can provide tailored solutions and suitable bins for:
- General waste
- Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)
- Fluorescent tubes
- Hazardous waste
- Confidential waste
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Food waste
Recycling confidential waste
Recycling confidential waste requires more secure storage, such as lockable bins and cabinets. At Russell Richardson, we provide a secure, reliable solution for document shredding. Whether your priority is security, compliance, budget or achieving environmental targets, we'll endeavour to tailor a document shredding service to best suit your needs.
Once your paper becomes shredded paper, it is recycled into hygiene products such as toilet paper, hand towels and tissues.
We provide a range of secure storage solutions including sealable sacks, lockable cabinets and bins, enclosed skips.
You can read about our container solutions here.
How to recycle office paper
Firstly, discuss how to establish an office paper recycling system/process and encourage your staff to recycle. Invest in the right container or bin for office paper, as suggested above. Integrate a recycling program into a regular part of office operation until it becomes a habit. Ensure the company staff are aware of which types of paper can be recycled and can't be recycled before participating in the office recycling program. Encourage staff to participate in paper recycling and saving measures actively. An office paper recycling service can make life easier for businesses, and often provides you with a full container, collection, recycling and disposal service. You can read more about office recycling here.
Can you recycle cardboard with paper?
Paper can be recycled alongside cardboard; however, please do not recycle wet cardboard.
Coffee cup recycling
Paper-based cups are usually lined with a membrane of polyethene to make them waterproof, which unfortunately means they are not recyclable alongside paper or cardboard. Some communities do recycle materials like paper coffee cups; however, they're very rare. Paper cups can now be returned for recycling at some high street coffee store chains.