Waste management in the workplace isn’t just about being green — it’s about saving money too.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste bills is bin segregation: making sure different waste streams are separated at source. When you “sort it” in the office, warehouse, café, or showroom, you’re cutting contamination, reducing landfill charges, and maximising recycling rebates.
Here are some practical tips to get started:
In Ireland, most commercial premises will benefit from separating into:
General Waste (black or grey bin)
Mixed Recycling (green bin)
Food Waste (brown bin)
Some workplaces might also need dedicated bins for glass, cardboard, or confidential shredding. Check our ‘what can go in your bin’ guide — and make sure everyone knows what goes where.
People are more likely to sort correctly when it’s easy.
Place bins in kitchens, staff rooms, print stations, and near desks.
For retail or hospitality, put them back-of-house and at customer points.
Avoid the “single lonely bin” in the corner — it just becomes a dumping ground for everything.
Labels with photos of what goes in each bin work best — especially for new staff or visitors.
Stick to standard Irish colours where possible:
Black/Grey for General Waste
Green for Recycling
Brown for Food Waste
The less people have to think, the better the segregation will be.
A short briefing or toolbox talk can make a big difference.
Explain why segregation matters (lower costs, better for the planet, avoids fines).
Do quick “bin audits” every few months and share the results with the team.
Celebrate improvements — a simple email or shout-out works wonders.
We can supply reports showing weight per waste stream.
If your general waste volumes drop, you’ll see the savings in your bill.
More recycling = fewer landfill charges.
Some companies have cut their waste costs by 20–40% just by improving segregation.
The Bottom Line:
Segregated bins aren’t just good for the environment — they’re good for your budget. By making it easy for staff and customers to sort correctly, you’ll reduce disposal costs, improve recycling rates, and help Ireland meet its waste targets.
#SortItCampaign #Sustainability #OfficeRecycling #EcoFriendly #GreenOffice #WasteManagement
As the focus on sustainability continues to grow, offices have become key areas where significant environmental impact can be made. Implementing sustainable practices within the workplace not only helps the environment but can also create a more positive and engaging work culture. In this blog post, we’ll share some handy hints to help improve recycling efforts and promote sustainability among workers in your office.
One of the simplest ways to encourage recycling in the office is by setting up clearly labelled recycling stations. Ensure that bins for paper, plastics, glass, and general waste are easily accessible and clearly marked. This reduces confusion and makes it easier for employees to dispose of their waste correctly.
Tip: Place recycling stations in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, near printers, and in break rooms. Include posters or guides above the bins to remind staff of what can and cannot be recycled.
The digital age offers countless opportunities to reduce paper use in the office. Encourage employees to embrace paperless practices by using digital documents, emails, and cloud storage instead of printing.
Tip: Set printers to double-sided printing by default and encourage staff to think before they print. Offer training sessions on digital tools that can help reduce paper usage, such as PDF editing software or cloud collaboration platforms.
Before purchasing new office supplies, consider whether existing items can be reused or repurposed. Items like file folders, binders, and envelopes can often be used multiple times before they need to be replaced.
Tip: Create a designated area for reusable supplies where employees can drop off or pick up items they no longer need. This can reduce the demand for new supplies and minimize waste.
Encourage employees to use reusable items such as coffee mugs, water bottles, and lunch containers. This reduces the amount of single-use plastic and paper waste generated in the office.
Tip: Provide reusable items branded with the company logo as part of an eco-friendly welcome pack for new employees. Consider setting up a dishwasher in the office kitchen to make it easier for staff to clean and reuse their items.
Make recycling fun by organizing office-wide recycling challenges. Set goals for reducing waste or increasing recycling rates, and offer rewards for teams or individuals who achieve the best results.
Tip: Track the office’s recycling progress and share updates regularly. Consider rewarding the winning team with a lunch outing, extra break time, or a donation to an environmental charity in their name.
Education is key to improving sustainability in the workplace. Provide regular training sessions or workshops on recycling and sustainable practices. Share tips and success stories in company newsletters or on the intranet.
Tip: Invite guest speakers from local recycling organizations or environmental groups to give presentations or hold Q&A sessions with employees. This can provide valuable insights and inspire further action.
Consider implementing a formal green office program that includes policies and practices focused on sustainability. This can range from simple initiatives like energy-saving measures to comprehensive programs that address all aspects of office operations.
Tip: Establish a “Green Team” of volunteers who are passionate about sustainability. They can help drive the program, monitor progress, and come up with new ideas to improve the office’s environmental impact.
Encouraging energy-saving habits is another important aspect of sustainability. Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and setting computers to sleep mode can make a big difference.
Tip: Install motion sensors for office lighting in less frequently used areas such as storage rooms and bathrooms. Encourage staff to unplug chargers and electronics when they’re not in use to avoid phantom energy drain.
Improving sustainability in the office is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the overall well-being and morale of employees. By implementing these handy hints, you can create a more eco-friendly workplace that encourages recycling and sustainable practices among workers. Let’s work together to make our offices greener and more responsible places to work.
#SortItCampaign #Sustainability #OfficeRecycling #EcoFriendly #GreenOffice #WasteManagement
Encouraging sustainable habits in the workplace is a collective effort. Start small, but think big—every action counts toward a more sustainable future!
