Offices across the globe are one of the major contributors to waste that could otherwise have been recycled. Paper products, inherent to the operation of a typical office, can easily be put aside for recycling once their usefulness is over. But even the most well-intentioned office worker will find it difficult to recycle on a regular basis if there is not an established in-office procedure to deal with it.

The good news is that setting up an office recycling process is not that hard. In fact, you may find it an easy thing to do, although at first it will require a little conscious effort. But before long it will all be an automatic process, and your office will be doing its part to save the planet we all share.

Keep It Simple

One of the most important factors in setting up an office recycling system is a simple one – keep it simple. The fewer the changes to the normal office daily routine, the greater the chances are for the success of your recycling effort.

Remove the Guesswork

Assuming that everyone in the office will already know what – and how to – recycle may be a recipe for failure. Instead, assume that no one knows exactly what you have in mind, and proceed from there. Labeling everything is a great way to remove the guesswork, and prepare an office memo or email that clearly defines the goals and actions to take.

Recycling Bin 101

Perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make when adding an office recycling bin (and a process to make it work) is the bin itself. This is the question – do you have one large bin for the entire office, or you do place a smaller bin at each desk? As you can imagine, each has its pros and cons.

Having a small recycle bin at each desk allows the office worker to recycle right from their desk. Paper products, instead of going into their trash receptacle, gets filed into the bin. However, this requires that all of the recycling bins be collected on a regular basis, something that might add to the process, making it less simple.

A central large office recycling bin potentially requires the office worker to get up from their work and walk to the bin. But it does keep the recycling products in one location, simplifying its handling later. Which process works best for your office will vary, depending on office layout, typical office activities, and overall budget (if any) for the recycling effort.

Celebrate Your Success

Take time to measure your recycling success, and share it with the office. This can be as simple as counting the number of full cans or bags from the recycle bin, or as elaborate as weighing the material when it is collected. By collecting and sharing the statistics, you encourage the office to do more, and in the process, give everyone a good feeling.

With a little effort, your office will be well on its way to being a greener workplace. The positive buzz this creates can even be effective in creating a more productive office. But don’t stop there – share this effort with your customers – they should know that your office is responsible and conscientious about the planet – the idea that you will be the same for their needs will not go unnoticed.