Did you know that around 70% of office waste is recyclable?
Research by environmental charities has shown that recycling a tonne of paper can save 7,000 gallons of water, 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 380 gallons of oil, and 4,000 kilowatts of energy.
It’s not only good for the planet, though. It’s often a far cheaper option for businesses than sending it to landfill and can, sometimes, earn a business some money.
So, recycling makes great sense in so many ways.
Considering how you deal with office recycling is important because all businesses have a duty of care in law to take reasonable care to store waste securely and safely, and to prevent it polluting the environment or harming someone.
It’s also required that anyone recycling, transporting, or disposing of an office’s waste must have a waste carrier licence and be authorised by the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.
If you’re transporting waste yourself, you can do this without being registered but it can only be taken to an authorised site which accepts commercial waste and you mist have a waste transfer note which describes the items and how they were transferred.
Of course, this takes up valuable staff time and you won’t be as current with the latest moves in legislation as a contractor.
Not only could hiring one save you time and money, it could ensure you stay on the right side of the rules.
What questions should you ask a waste recycling contractor?
- Ask to see a copy of their certificate of registration, or you could check with the relevant regulator that they have one.
- Ask them about their process. When your recycling is collected it must be described in writing and they should provide you with a waste transfer note which should be stored for at least two years.
- Ask them if they’re experienced in dealing with all sorts of office recycling – from paper and cardboard to electronic items which must be dealt with under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.
- Will they carry out a free recycling audit? The best contractors will do this to ensure you’re not paying for a one-size-fits-all service, but instead you are getting the service you need tailored to your business.
- Will you get a certificate of destruction and is the process carried out in accordance with European Standard BS:EN15713:2009?
What could your office recycle?
- Paper – including confidential paper waste
- Cardboard
- Printer cartridges
- Plastic bottles
- Food and drink cans
- Electrical equipment
Need help with your office recycling? Call our On Time Shred experts on 0330 333 1234.
