Green Office – Home Office – Any Office

Office waste is any waste generated within any office space. It can consists of electrical, electronic, cardboard, paper and packaging waste, all of which can be recycled. Mixed waste may also turn up in your office. Items like glass or plastic bottles, plastic cups, coffee cups and sandwiches wrappers. These items can all be segregated and recycled in in offices or all sizes including home offices.

The benefits of introducing a reduce, reuse and recycling programme in your office include.

• Savings on waste disposal costs.
• Boost to staff morale by having a focus on reduce, reuse and recycling.
• Demonstrates the organisations commitment to the environment.
• Enhanced public perception of your organisation as a green organisation.

Below you will find some green tips that can be easily implemented and integrated into the day-to-day running of your office and office building.

19 Tip on How to Reduce Office Waste

1. To reduce the amount of paper accumulated in the office, only print the amount needed and limit the distribution of copies to only those that really need it.
2. Computer printouts should be limited. E-mail or instant messages can be sent to save on paper and time.
3. Data and reports can be stored or presented from memory sticks or the cloud, to save paper
4. Single spacing can be used as a format when printing reports.
5. Photocopy and print double-sided.
6. Before printing multiple copies, print a single copy. Check this copy for errors. Use the spell check and other facilities on your computer, laptop or tablet.
7. Draft documents should be reviewed on-screen before printing.
8. Drafts and other internal documents can be printed on paper that has been used on one side.
9. Scrap paper can be used to make note pads to take phone messages.
10. Printing and photocopying should be carried out only when it is necessary.
11. Have a centralised office filing system. This reduces the need for multiple files reducing paper use.
12. Electrical and electronic office equipment including computers should only be purchased as needed. This is to cut down on excess equipment sitting in the store, going out of date.
13. Regularly service office equipment, particularly computers, photocopiers and printers, to prolong their lifespan.
14. When equipment reaches its end of life use a registered and licensed electrical and electronic recycler to ensure equipment is safely made ready for reuse and recycling.
15. Employees should regularly empty out their desk and return any unwanted office supplies to the stationery cupboard.
16. Free or online newspaper subscription can reduce the amount of paper to be recycled.
17. Cancel any unwanted magazine or newspaper subscriptions to avoid unwanted waste accumulating.
18. Office announcements can be posted online, sent via email or posted once in a centralised monitor or TV screen.
19. All employees should be encouraged to move to a paperless office – Develop a plan!

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing a collection and drop off service for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Last year Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over 100,000 homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and TV’s.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.