An Environmentally Friendly Workplace 

It doesn’t matter if you are a large or small organisation, a community group, farmer or charity, reduction of waste and reuse of materials are the first steps in demonstrating you are environmentally aware, keen to help reduce waste and contribute positively towards climate change. Enthusiasm is the key and possibly the first step in implementing a simple, workable and worthwhile environmental guidelines or policy to suit your needs.

Eco-Friendly Behavior

Recycling is an easy and effective way to encourage eco-friendly behavior while allowing you contribute towards a positive impact on climate across the world or  “Your Global Market Place” We can all do our part for our earth every day by simply recycling bottles, metal, paper, electronics and other waste products.

Although recycling is important, it’s only one part of the three R’s. Recycling is sometimes considered the easier choice as its similar to throwing something away. It’s not much different to putting the item in a different bin or making a call to arrange a collection of an old PC or printer. However, there are many opportunities in a day for reducing or reusing what you think are waste materials.

Eco-friendly behavior in the workplace is vital for a circular economy. By reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling, employees and companies help protect the environment and save resources. Simple actions like reducing paper use, conserving energy, and recycling office supplies support sustainability. This approach lowers costs, reduces pollution, and creates a positive impact for future generations

18 Workplace Tips 

1. Ask employees to make double-sided copies when using a copier.
2. Find a way to compost paper towel waste used across your organisation.
3. Source a brown bin for all kitchen waste from the kitchen, canteen, dining rooms, cafe, or coffee dock.
4. Eliminated food trays to help reduce food waste.
5. Install microwaves so people can reuse food cooked at home.
6. Share unused food from staff canteens or the cafe with you local FoodCloud Community Foodlink.
7. Replace all bottled water with inline water filters to allow refilling.
8. Reuse and recycle surplus furniture by partnering with charity shops and reuse centres.
9. Pre-sort solid waste generated in your organisation e.g. cans, glass, paper, cardboard, plastic bags, batteries, smart phone batteries, smartphones, and fluorescent lights etc.
10. Collect and recycle vehicle waste including lubricants, antifreeze, oil filters, tires, and batteries.
11. Recycle electronics equipment from your charity, school or community group free by simply emailing info@recycleit.ie
12. Personal electronics waste can be recycled through a free WEEE to Work collection day.
13. Collect kitchen grease and oils for recycling and reuse e.g. Keen Oils.
14. Ask employees to make double-sided copies when printing reports or presentation or just don’t print reports or presentations, use power-point.
15. Send emails or use electronic document sharing tools rather than printing.
16. Reuse cardboard delivery boxes in which reports, flyers, paper etc. arrive in.
17. Buy reusable or recycled products before considering other purchases.
18. Research and consider installing solar or similar to improve your carbon footprint,

Moving Forward

Recycle IT engage with many schools, communities, charities and business organisations across Dublin to recycle electronic, electronic and pure metal equipment. From our experience, a Zero Waste Policy which supports the circular economy a great starting point for your eco journey.

It may take some time but at least you have made a start!  Get going by creating a team from different departments. Include staff and management, volunteers or students in developing a simple workable plan for reducing and diverting 100% of your waste stream over a defined time period and remember it should not cost the earth!

You might start with the purchase of product and services for operational use. Before purchasing new products all stakeholders should try to consider an item’s true cost, how quickly the product will need to be replaced and whether it can be reused, re-purposed and recycled. Cheaper products may seem attractive but are not always the best environmental, financial or lasting solution.

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). During 2023 Recycle IT offered drop off and collection services to over ten of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of electricals 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.

Please do request more information from Recycle IT about our recycling service on 01 4578321 or email info@recycleit.ie