From paper and plastic to food and electronics, offices across the UK generate a large amount of waste every day. Without a proper recycling system in place, much of it ends up in landfill.
Below, we’ve outlined some easy, effective ways to improve office waste management. You’ll find tips to make recycling simple for your team, along with how First Mile’s business recycling services can support your efforts.
Why should your office recycle?
Workplace recycling brings a range of benefits for both your business and the environment. Some of the main reasons why offices should recycle include:
- Reducing landfill waste and lowering your carbon footprint, helping your business operate more sustainably.
- Staying compliant with business recycling laws – including the Simpler Recycling Reforms that became law on 31st March 2025. These rules require all workplaces to separate dry recyclables, food waste, and black bin waste.
- Cutting down on general workplace waste disposal costs and creating a more cost-effective process.
- Boosting morale and encouraging a culture of sustainability, with employees taking pride in doing their bit for the environment.
What waste can be recycled in an office?
There are many types of waste that can be recycled in an office, and it’s important that each type is separated and disposed of correctly to ensure efficient recycling. The most common recyclable office waste types include:
- Paper & cardboard: Documents, envelopes and packaging can all be recycled. Just make sure any confidential documents are securely shredded first, and keep paper and cardboard dry for effective recycling.
- Plastics: Bottles, containers, and single-use plastics can all be recycled, but they should be rinsed where possible to avoid contamination.
- Glass: Bottles and jars from office kitchens and packed lunches should be emptied, rinsed and placed in a designated glass recycling bin.
- Metal: Drinks cans and aluminium food packaging can be recycled too. Again, rinse them before disposal to keep recycling streams clean.
- Food waste: Tea bags, coffee grounds, and food scraps can all be recycled in the office, but they must be kept separate from other waste to avoid contamination. Food sharing schemes are also a great way to reduce food waste.
- Electronics (WEEE waste): Items like old laptops, cables and keyboards can be recycled when they’re no longer needed. These must be handled securely, with hazardous components disposed of safely and in line with WEEE regulations.
- Printer cartridges & batteries: These items must be recycled separately as they require a specialist service.
How to set up an effective office recycling programme
Looking to set up an effective office recycling programme? Here are five simple steps to help you set up a programme that actually works:
- Assess your current waste situation
Start with a waste audit to get a clear picture of what’s being thrown away and where. This will help you identify the most common waste types and spot opportunities to reduce and recycle more.
- Choose the right office recycling bins
Once you know which types of waste are being produced in your workplace, you can provide clearly labelled recycling bins for those waste types. Place office recycling bins in accessible locations, such as near desks and printers and in kitchens and meeting rooms, to make it easy for employees, customers, and visitors to use them.
- Educate and engage employees
Make sure your team knows how and why to recycle. Run short training sessions, use signage to guide bin usage, and launch green initiatives to encourage participation. Regular check-ins will help you keep things on track and make improvements where needed.
- Partner with a reliable recycling provider
A reliable recycling partner can help to streamline your office recycling efforts and ensure you’re disposing of waste responsibly. Working with a trusted waste management company like First Mile can simplify your setup. We offer regular collections for a wide range of office waste, including paper, plastics, WEEE, and food waste, to help you office stay compliant and sustainable.
- Monitor and improve your recycling efforts
At First Mile, we provide waste reports for each collection, so you can track your progress and share this with the wider business. You should also consistently ask for employee feedback to improve the system you have in place and adjust workplace recycling bin placements and signage if needed.
How First Mile makes office recycling easy
At First Mile, we make business recycling straightforward with a range of convenient and sustainable services. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving your current setup, we’ll help you recycle everything from paper and plastics to food waste and electronics.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- All business waste is recycled or reused in line with our zero-to-landfill guarantee
- We offer flexible collections tailored to suit office schedules and needs
- Our recycling data studio tracks your recycling progress and sustainability impact
- Quick and easy setup for any office
Ready to boost your business recycling efforts? Get in touch with us at First Mile to learn more about our commercial recycling services, improve your workplace recycling and reduce waste.
Office recycling FAQs
What happens if my office doesn’t recycle properly?
If your office fails to recycle correctly, such as disposing of waste in the wrong bins or allowing contamination, you could face fines and increased waste management costs.
Do small businesses need to follow recycling laws?
Yes, all businesses must comply with UK recycling laws. The Simpler Recycling Reforms came into effect on 31st March 2025 and apply to all workplaces. Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees have until 31st March 2027 to comply.
What’s the easiest way to get employees to recycle?
Use clear signage, place recycling bins where they’re easy to access, and make sustainability part of your workplace culture. Hosting short workshops and sharing regular progress updates can also help motivate your team and improve participation.
How can I reduce waste in my office overall?
Encourage the use of digital documents to cut down on printing, provide reusable items instead of single-use alternatives, and make sustainable purchasing choices.
