Sort It! – How Segregated Bins Can Cut Your Waste Costs
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.
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:
1. Know Your Waste Streams
In Ireland, most commercial premises will benefit from separating into:
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General Waste (black or grey bin)
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Mixed Recycling (green bin)
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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.
2. Position Bins Where the Waste Happens
People are more likely to sort correctly when it’s easy.
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Place bins in kitchens, staff rooms, print stations, and near desks.
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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.
3. Use Clear Labelling & Colour Coding
Labels with photos of what goes in each bin work best — especially for new staff or visitors.
Stick to standard Irish colours where possible:
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Black/Grey for General Waste
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Green for Recycling
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Brown for Food Waste
The less people have to think, the better the segregation will be.
4. Train Your Team (and Keep It Fresh)
A short briefing or toolbox talk can make a big difference.
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Explain why segregation matters (lower costs, better for the planet, avoids fines).
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Do quick “bin audits” every few months and share the results with the team.
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Celebrate improvements — a simple email or shout-out works wonders.
5. Monitor Your Costs & Volumes
We can supply reports showing weight per waste stream.
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If your general waste volumes drop, you’ll see the savings in your bill.
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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.
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