The power of source separation

Conversations around recycling and the circular economy continue to grow, particularly around the responsibility of businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Currently, we see the linear economy most prominently, where manufacturers take natural resources, make products and then consumers throw them away. The circular economy moves away from this single use approach, keeping resources in use for as long as possible through recycling and the maintenance of resource integrity. 

In the workplace, traditional motivators that encourage individuals to recycle at home are missing, such as financial impacts or an awareness of how much they are wasting. This means people are less inclined to seek out a recycling bin over a convenient general waste or desk bin. 

In plain sight

Organisations should ensure that recycling bins are placed visibly and frequently within a space to encourage better waste habits in the workplace. Single bins that capture recyclables, such as an organics bin in the kitchen or a paper bin near the printer, should be added, whilst easy general waste options, like desk bins, should be removed to increase recycling rates. 

Colour coded bins with clear labels will help users to accurately separate their waste. The colourful bins stand out within a space increasing recycling through accountability and availability. Further, being visible within a space, individuals are more likely to consider how to separate their waste correctly, even subconsciously, when they are in the view of others. Further, when convenient general waste options are removed people must walk to a nearby station where they are provided all recycling and waste options. 

Having communal recycling and waste stations also makes waste management over the course of a year substantially cheaper. With fewer bins and liners to purchase and service you will save a significant amount of time and money. You will also save on the cost of waste disposal as you recycle more and waste less.

Reduce contamination

Having recycling stations that encourage users to source separate waste further maintains the integrity of resources. Single stream recycling is problematic as some materials can contaminate others such as smashed glass in paper or cardboard. Contaminated materials cannot be recycled and will likely end up incinerated or in a landfill, or they will damage the machinery at the recycling plant. 

Further, contamination can contribute to downcycling. Downcycling is a process where materials are unable to be used at the same level after being recycled, such as recycled plastic being turned into fabric or used in construction, meaning the materials life span is reduced. 

With source separation you’re also able to identify problematic materials and products that are getting wasted frequently. This provides you with the opportunity to address it yourself, or within the organisation, such as providing reusable coffee cups to all new starters.

Design-out waste

Method, a company founded in New Zealand believe in facilitating the circular economy in the workplace. They have recently announced that their bins will now be made from at least 50% recycled materials. What is important about this announcement is that Method have ensured that the bins made from recycled contents are fully recyclable without degrading material quality. The bins can be recycled and made into new bins indefinitely. 

It is important that organisations are designing products with the full life span in mind. Method have now created a recycling infrastructure that is now capturing the resources for their own products thanks to this focus.

We produce a significant amount of waste and recyclables in the workplace. By introducing a recycling system that centres on the value of source separation and resource recovery you can reduce your organisation's environmental footprint significantly. 

methodrecycling.com.