Waste sorting at office is easier than home waste because the office generates only specific types of waste. However, in reality, it can be more challenging to succeed than with home waste.
The challenge stems from the many people working in an office who may not all adhere to the simple waste sorting and management system. All they need to do is throw certain garbage into the right, color-coded 13-gallon bags, but they don’t.
However, your workplace can still be a greener and cleaner environment. Not only does sorting waste properly benefit the environment, but it also creates a healthier and more organized workspace. So, here’s a simple guide to getting your office’s waste sorted effectively.
Assess Your Office Waste and Set Up Waste Receptacles
You can begin assessing your office waste by categorizing the types of waste your office generates. Then, create designated areas or bins with clear labels for each type of waste.
Common categories of office waste include:
Paper waste
Despite the increasing digitalization of office processes, paper waste is still the biggest waste generated in an office. They have various sources including printer papers, envelopes, and even sticky notes.
But the good news is that paper waste is recyclable. Hence, you can sort them into separate containers. But ensure they are not contaminated by food particles or any type of gunk.
Plastic
Plastics are another category of waste generated in the workplace. Bottles and packaging materials fall in this group. But like paper waste, most of them are recyclable. Check on the plastic container to see if it is recyclable. Then, rinse out any particles stuck to it and place them in the appropriate container marked for recyclable plastics.
Organic Waste
Lunch breaks at work are great, but they can also generate organic waste. Food scraps, coffee grounds, or even leftovers add up to form a huge waste that should be properly managed. Place a container near areas where food waste is generated so any remnants or waste can be disposed of there. If your office has a large amount of organic waste generated daily, consider creating a compost system.
Electronic Waste
Electronic waste is not left out of the equation. Batteries, old electronics, printer cartridges, and toners contribute to electronic waste. These waste types should not get mixed with the regular ones as they contain hazardous substances that are harmful to both humans and the environment. So, devise a storage area or container for electronic waste and call a waste management company that specializes in handling electronic waste to come collect them.
Educate and Involve Your Team
For waste sorting to be successful, everyone needs to be on board. Beyond putting up posters with sorting reminders, you can:
- Hold a meeting explaining the importance of waste sorting and how it works in your office.
- Provide informational materials that outline what goes into each bin.
- Offer training to answer any questions and demonstrate proper sorting techniques.
Maintain and Monitor
Consistency is key to successful office waste sorting. Regularly check the bins to ensure proper sorting. Or you can assign a waste ambassador to oversee the sorting system, check bins, and provide feedback. You may also assign this role to the janitor. Schedule regular waste audits to assess the effectiveness of your sorting efforts and make the necessary adjustments.
