| The concept of the “Binless Office”
is simple and efficient. It involves the removal of the underdesk
general waste bins, and the introduction of a “Desk Tray
Recycler”, whereby all materials are placed in the tray
throughout the working day. At the end of the day or when the
tray is full, the tray is brought to a central recycling area
and the materials in the tray are segregated into bins specific
to each waste stream.
This simple to implement waste management programme can
reduce a businesses general waste bill by up to 20% per annum
by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and increasing
the amount of segregated recyclable streams such as paper,
cartridges, pens, electronic waste, computers and peripherals.
The ‘Advantages’ of the Binless Office include
:
- Significant cost Savings
- Improved Housekeeping
- Less office consumables
- Reduced collections frequency
- Increased recycling rates
- Reduced material to landfill
- Overall waste minimisation as staff
become more aware of the waste they generate
The central recycling area can consist of a number of bins
that are clearly labeled to indicate to the user into which
bin they must place their recyclable waste. Alternatively
a single unit office style cabinet could also be used, which
would house separate compartments for recyclable materials
such as paper, PET bottles, aluminum cans and in addition
general waste. A number of smaller collection units could
be introduced for materials such as household batteries.
Materials that can be catered for by the Binless Office:
- Cardboard Only
- White Paper Only (Non-confidential)
- Mixed / Coloured Paper (Non-confidential)
- Confidential Paper
- Newspapers and Magazines
- Ink Cartridges
- Batteries
- Plastic Drink Bottles (PET)
- Aluminium Drinking Cans
- Plastic Rigid Polystyrene Drinking
Cups
- Food Waste Bin (Composting)
- “Do Not Know” Bin –
Misc
- General Waste bin
Any combination of bins and recyclable / recoverable materials
can be catered for. This would be determined by an initial
site audit and consultation with the client to determine the
optimal bin layout.
The recycling centres are conveniently located around the
office to facilitate ease of use for the staff.
The binless office can be implemented in a number of environments:
- Office
- Factory Floor
- Production Lines
- Warehouses
- Canteen
Contamination and non-segregation can be the cause of the
following issues:
- Inefficiencies: Double Handling
- Costs: Increased materials to landfill
→ Premium landfill prices vs. lower recoverable rates
- Environmental: Lower recycling rates
The key to a successful binless office programme is the full
participation and co-operation of the Individual in segregating
their own waste material correctly into the appropriate bins.
The ethos of the programme is that the individuals are solely
responsible for their own waste. By segregating properly the
client helps Greenstar manage the recyclable waste on site
in an effective and efficient way. Greenstar believe that
the binless office programme is a partnership between Greenstar
and the client.
A small change in procedure will make a big impact in the
office environmental culture.
|
