National Recycling Week

 

This National Recycling Week we are exploring the idea that Waste isn’t Waste until it’s Wasted!

Below are a few resources your workplace can use to get involved in recycling. 

You can also encourage staff to take place in our 30 day recycling challenge at home! Find out more here.

Why integrate sustainable waste & recycling practices in your business?

Over recent years, many businesses have increased their efforts to go green and reduce their carbon footprint and save money in the process. According to research conducted by the State of the Environment Report in 2016, 57 percent of all Australian businesses are making use of more eco-conscious practices in day-to-day operations.

One of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to be more sustainable in your business is through recycling.

Top business waste and recycling tips

6 tips for battery recycling in your business

 

1. Tape up the ends

Tape the ends of used batteries using non-conductive tape such as sticky tape, duct tape or electrical tape. This prevents sparking that creates potential fire hazards. 

 

2. Safely store your batteries 

If you can't recycle your batteries straight away, store them in clearly labelled glass containers. Make sure the container isn't airtight as pressure can build up! 

 

3. Keep your batteries away from heat sources

Make sure your batteries aren't exposed to excessively hot temperatures or heat sources within the office! Keep your batteries out of the sun in a cool, dry place until you can recycle them. 

 

4. Recycle your batteries within six months

Drop off your batteries within six months of use. You can recycle batteries at any of the locations listed on our website

 

5. Don't throw your batteries in the rubbish or recycling

Batteries cannot be disposed of in general rubbish or recycling bins! Always recycle batteries at the locations listed on our website. 

 

6. Consider rechargeable batteries

Most rechargeable batteries can be re-used many times! Rechargeable batteries are not only an affordable option they are also a great choice for the enviroment.

If your workplace is interested in battery recycling, Council may be able to assist by providing a free battery box. Contact the waste and recycling team for more information:wasteandrecycling@bundaberg.qld.gov.au

For more information on the benefits of recycling batteries please visit the Council website. 

 

Top 3 recycling tips for business

 

Workplace recycling – As easy as ABC! There are endless ways to recycle in your workplace. Below are a few tips to get you started. 

 

1. Print double-sided and only when necessary.

 

2. Incorporate clearly labelled bins to separate and minimise waste.

 

3. Encourage your team to become waste warriors through incentives, education and promotional material throughout the office.

 

Head to our printable A-Z Recycling Guide for more info. 

Top 10 composting tips for business

Composting is a natural way to provide nutrients to soil, reduce methane gas and lower the volume of waste reaching landfill.

Whether you are in the hospitality industry and discard high volumes of food, or want to boost your office’s recycling habits, composting allows businesses to divert waste, save money and give back the environment.

Here are 10 tips for implementing a composting system into your business.

 

1. Define your composting list

Clearly identify what your team should and should not compost.

Fruits, vegetables, meat & fish scraps, dairy products, bread, pasta, rice, grains, nut shells, eggshells, sauce, coffee grounds, coffee filters, tea bags and leftover food are all good to go.

On the other hand, steer clear of produce stickers, plastic cutlery, tin foil, rubber gloves, and any synthetic or non-organic, materials.

 

2. Signage

Place a list or image on the bin or wall above clearly outlining what materials can be composted to encourage participation and reduce contamination.

 

3. Educate the team

Take a moment to discuss your composting venture, including accepted materials, composting benefits and the process being implemented.

Employees that are involved from the beginning are more likely to participate.

 

4. (Compostable) Bag it

Compostable bags help prevent mess and make the process easier for both collection and transfer to the main composting bin.

 

5. Pest free zone

To prevent attracting any unwanted critters, avoid composting meats and oily foods.

 

6. Keep it snappy

Composting should not be any more time consuming than other waste disposal.

Rather than throwing your scraps into the general waste bin, simply toss them into the compost bin instead.

 

7. What Smell?

By keeping the collection bin sealed, there should be very minimal odour. Should a smell become noticeable, empty earlier than usual. There are also products available to assist with smell and decomposition rate.

 

8. Location location location

Place your compost bin closest to where majority of your organics are produced and discarded, such as the kitchen or break room.

This will make composting convenient and promote more participation.

 

9. Create Your Own Green Team

Elect a composting champion or team to analyse the program’s success, manage emptying rosters, encourage employees to get involved and track progress.

 

10. Complete the cycle

Once fully decomposed, put your compost to good use by adding to your office plants, garden beds and anywhere you currently have soil.

Recycle mate app

Take the uncertainty out of your recycling with Recycle Mate! This innovative app uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to detect hundreds of different items, helping you recycle anywhere in Australia.

Download the app