Top tips for better bins and workplace recycling that works

Written by SUEZ recycling and recovery UK

Let’s be honest. Waste sorting is not the most glamorous part of running a business. Neither did you set up your business to spend time thinking about which bin your yoghurt pot and banana peel belongs in.

Thing is, when your workplace gets it right, the benefits quickly add up. Costs fall, recycling improves and your sustainability story becomes something everyone can see.

What you can do as a business owner

Set up your staff for success. Nobody should have to guess where a coffee cup goes. The clearer you make it, the less chance of mistakes.

Start with simple signage. Posters by the bins spell it out at a glance. Reinforce the message with reminders, including a quick line in a staff meeting or even a short video looping in the break room. When the guidance is visible and consistent, recycling becomes a habit, a part of the routine.

The gains go well beyond tidy bins. Cleaner recycling streams lower costs, reduce compliance risks (especially with Simpler Recycling up and running) and build trust with your customers. When people see that you walk the talk on sustainability, it strengthens your reputation in the community and supply chain.

What staff can do

For employees, it’s the little things that make a difference.

The yoghurt pot rinsed before recycling. The banana peel that goes into the food caddy instead of general waste. The bottle cap left on so it actually gets recycled. These habits take seconds, but they add up across a workplace.

A few good rules of thumb:

• Check before you chuck. If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it in the food bin.

• Rinse and recycle. A quick rinse stops one messy container from spoiling the rest.

• Keep black bags out of recycling. They belong in general waste only.

• Keep batteries and electronics out of general waste and recycling bins. They need their own specialist collection.

Small steps, but each one keeps valuable resources in circulation. Food waste powers homes. Glass gets reborn as new jars. Plastics come back as furniture or office supplies.

Why it matters

When everyone’s on the same page, the benefits multiply. Collections run smoothly, costs stay under control and you avoid compliance headaches. And it’s an easy way to show staff and customers alike that your business is doing the right thing.

Sorting waste isn’t just about keeping bins tidy. It’s about using resources wisely, showing leadership and making sustainability part of everyday working life. The good news is, it doesn’t take grand gestures to get there. It just takes consistency.

To explore how your business can get more from its recycling, contact our friendly SUEZ recycling and recovery UK team at 800 083 0504.