Office Recycling Checklist

A Practical Workplace Recycling Checklist For UK Offices

Setting up workplace recycling does not need to be complicated. Most offices need a simple, consistent recycling system that employees can understand immediately. Use this checklist to review your current setup or plan a new workplace recycling system.

See also our Workplace Recycling Compliance Guide and our Simpler Recycling Guide.

Step 1: Identify Your Main Waste Streams

Most offices generate:

• General Waste

• Mixed Recycling

Many also generate:

• Food Waste

• Paper

• Plastics

• Cans

Avoid introducing waste streams that are unlikely to be used.

Step 2: Place Recycling Stations Where Waste Is Generated

Focus on:

• Kitchens

• Breakout Spaces

• Printer Areas

• Meeting Rooms

Avoid hiding recycling stations in low-traffic locations.

Step 3: Keep Recycling And General Waste Together

Many workplaces separate recycling bins from general waste bins. This often reduces recycling participation. Providing both options together usually produces better results.

Step 4: Introduce Food Waste Bins Where Appropriate

Food waste is one of the most common causes of contamination. Food waste bins are particularly useful in:

• Kitchens

• Coffee Stations

• Shared Eating Areas

Step 5: Use Consistent Colours And Labels

Every recycling station should follow the same colour system. Consistency helps employees recycle correctly without needing to think about it.

Step 6: Review Desk Bin Policy

Many offices are reducing individual desk bins and replacing them with centralised recycling stations. Benefits often include:

• Better recycling rates

• Less contamination

• Cleaner office layouts

Step 7: Standardise Recycling Stations

A recycling station on one floor should look the same as a recycling station on another. Consistency improves employee behaviour.

Step 8: Check For Contamination

Look for:

• Food waste in recycling bins

• Overflowing bins

• Frequently misused waste streams

These often indicate a design issue rather than a people issue.

Step 9: Review Your Recycling Setup Regularly

Workplaces change over time. Review your setup at least every six months to ensure it remains effective.

Step 10: Simplify Purchasing

Many businesses overcomplicate recycling by buying individual bins without a plan. Ready-made recycling packages help ensure waste streams work together and create consistent recycling stations.

See more detail on our packages on our homepage, browse all our packages or shop our Office Recycling Bin Collection and Office Recycling Station Collection.

• Starter Package

• Starter Plus Package

• Pro Package

• Pro Plus Package

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Next Step

If you are building or upgrading a workplace recycling system, explore our recycling packages a to find a setup that matches your workplace. For more detail, see What Recycling Bins Do Offices Need?