Even in today’s digital age, we still inevitably end up with masses of paper and cardboard in offices across the UK.
We know we should recycle but not all workplaces have recycling schemes in place to make this as easy as it should be for employees to recycle their cardboard properly!
Recycling cardboard is not only important for the environment but can also save your company money in the long run.
As cardboard and paper are so in demand and so easy to recycle, it’s one of the cheapest waste items to dispose of, if done correctly.
What Are the Benefits of Recycling Office Cardboard?
We all know now how important it is to make sure we recycle as much as we can. As much as this is true, there are also so many benefits for your workplace.
On a large scale, recycling cardboard diverts waste from landfill and conserves natural resources.
Within your business, you may find that suppliers and customers are requesting recycling rates and waste breakdowns now. So, it’s important that you can show you are separating and recycling your waste.
You can also look into local rebate schemes and government incentives which may create additional revenue.
How Do I Avoid Waste Cardboard?
The main types of paper and cardboard waste we frequently see in workplaces are:
- Coffee cups
- Files and folders
- Delivery boxes
- Food packaging
- Leaflets
- Magazines
- Notes
A great incentive to discourage your staff from single-use paper coffee cups is to provide branded or personalised coffee mugs at work.
Another great way to encourage reusing before recycling is to start an upcycle station!
Staff can “shop” single-use plastic files, cardboard folders and scrap paper from old items which have been left in a designated cupboard.
It’s always best to opt for a reusable item before having to order new.
Set Up a Recycling Scheme at Work!
Starting up a recycling scheme in your office is easier than you would think. Most employees actually want to recycle, but it’s not always easy or clear how they can do that.
We would suggest setting up waste and recycling stations. You can have one centralised station or a few dotted around your offices, depending on the number of staff.
You can include bins to easily recycle cardboard, paper, plastics, tins and more!
If members of staff are responsible for their own recycling, then they’re much more likely to properly sort their waste.
You can also offer recycling trays on their own desks so they reuse scrap paper for notes, etc. before using new if it’s not necessary.
Can Recycling Cardboard Save Me Money?
Having a separate cardboard bin can surprisingly actually save your business money in the long run!
If you have a separate bin designated just for cardboard, then you are saving so much space in your general waste rubbish bins and could even downsize this bin if you find you are no longer filling it.
Cardboard bins come in a variety of sizes:
- 360 litres
- 660 litres
- 1100 litres
- 6 yard FEL
- 8 yard FEL
With prices starting from just £5 per lift, separating your waste streams and encouraging reusing paper and cardboard in your workplace can really lower your waste bills.
Where Can I Recycle Cardboard?
The easiest way to recycle your cardboard waste from your workplace is by asking your bin supplier for a cardboard-only bin.
Here at KCM Waste Management, we offer affordable recycling bins in a variety of sizes so you can opt for the one most suited to your business size.
All paper and cardboard brought back to our site are recycled and reused so you can be safe in the knowledge that your recyclable waste isn’t going to landfill.
If you would like to discuss your office recycling and see how much money you could save, get in touch with our friendly Head Office team at 01709 794 888 or email bins@kcmwaste.com.
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