There is a long list of items and materials that you can recycle in the workplace. Whether you're starting from scratch or building upon previous work there are lots of items you can recycle. Some will save you money, some will be cost neutral and some might come at a cost but all of them will help reduce your workplace's impact on the environment and make your business more sustainable.
Let us know you're setting up new recycling systems for National Recycling Week by registering your workplace.
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Mobile Phones
Mobile phones contain both valuable and harmful materials. MobileMuster is the industry funded program established to increase recycling rates for mobile phones and accessories.
Items can be sent back to my MobileMuster in the following ways:
- Join their program and ordering a collection box for your workplace.
- Download a mailing label ad returning in a padded envelope via Australia post.
- Search for your nearest drop-off location.
Find out how to keep your private information secure with MobileMuster's data management tips.
ALUMINIUM COFFEE CAPSULES
Nespresso's Bulk Recycling Collection program provides an easy way for businesses to ensure that both the aluminium and the coffee from their used Nespresso capsules goes on to have a second life. Both Professional capsules from the office and capsules from home can be recycled in the same box. Hence, businesses can offer their employees a convenient way to recycle by bringing their Nespresso capsules in from home.
Workplaces can order a complimentary bulk recycling box from Nespresso by calling 1800 182 206. To find out more about coffee capsule recycling visit Nespresso Professional here or our Coffee Capsule material page.
Download a Nespresso poster to educate your employees on the capsule recycling program here.
Printer and ink cartridges
If your workplace uses more than 3 cartridges a month (36/year) it may be eligible to participate in the free 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' program. This program collects printer consumables which are then either returned to their original manufacturer for reuse, or recycled into new products by Planet Ark’s resource recovery partner Close the Loop (who guarantee zero waste to landfill through their processes). You'll receive a collection box(es) and a starter kit. Once the box is full you just need to call the hotline or book online and arrange a free courier pick up.
If your workplace doesn't use three or more cartridges a month you can drop the ones you do use at all Officeworks stores, and at participating Australia Post, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Office Product Depot and Office National stores.
This program is an example of enhanced producer responsibility in action. The costs of recycling and the program promotion are paid for by cartridge manufacturers Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, Konica Minolta and Kyocera.
For more information visit Cartridges.PlanetArk.org.
E-waste including computers, printers and televisions
Discarded electronic waste (or e-waste) is the fastest growing waste stream in Australia. As individuals and businesses upgrade electronics like computers, TVs and videos at ever increasing rates, more and more programs are springing up to reuse or recycle the old equipment. Some programs refurbish the equipment and sell it or donate it to charities. Others collect, dismantle and recycle the materials. Find a local e-waste recycling service at Business Recycling or for household quantities, search RecyclingNearYou.
When purchasing new electronic equipment ask the supplier if they can take and recycle old equipment.
Batteries
Batteries, including single-use and rechargeable batteries, contain both valuable and dangerous materials. Batteries should never be put in the garbage or recycling bin because they can start fires. They must be disposed of safely through a recycling service.
Workplaces and businesses can purchase a safe recycling box for used batteries through Batteries 4 Planet Ark. The recycling program is a door-to-door collection service available anywhere in Australia.
To find other battery recycling services for businesses and workplaces, visit Business Recycling. For household quantities, find free battery recycling drop-off locations at Recycling Near You.
Office paper, newsprint, magazines, cardboard, phonebooks
There are numerous companies that provide paper recycling services. These services usually involve collection bins, call centre support and signage. Search Business Recycling for a paper recycling service in your local area (start with 'Paper and Cardboard' and narrow your search from there).
Glass and plastic bottles, jars, aluminium and steel cans
Depending upon your workplace you can arrange for collection of all of these items or for specific ones. The placement and collection of recycling bins comes at a cost but many businesses have found that they save money by setting up recycling. Scratchleys Restaurant in Newcastle NSW found that having a recycling bin removed from their premises cost them $6.80 while it cost $10.85 to have a garbage bin removed. They saved money by adding recycling bins. Search Business Recycling for a suitable recycling service (start with 'Food & Beverage Packaging' and narrow your search from there).
Compact and normal fluorescent light globes
Fluorescent tubes contain glass, aluminium phosphor powder and mercury (which is toxic). Tubes, both compact fluorescent and traditional tubes, can be recycled to recover the valuable resources and safely deal with toxic elements. For more information on fluorescent recycling programs, and to find a local recycling service, search in Business Recycling (start with 'Lighting' and narrow your search from there).
Food scraps and garden cuttings
Organic waste in landfill breaks down without oxygen (anaerobically) to form methane - a greenhouse gas that is over 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Keeping food scraps and garden cuttings out of landfill helps reduce greenhouse gases. Recycling food scraps and garden cuttings through composting also retains the valuable nutrients and energy they contain.
If your workplace generates garden cuttings or food scraps, search on Business Recycling for a local recycling service that will collect and recycle them. Alternatively, you can compost them at your own workplace through a range of methods including commercial-sized worm farms or composting systems.
