Office Waste

Most offices have potential to reduce the volume of waste generated, or establish better uses for the waste they produce. Office waste minimisation schemes are relatively simple to implement and can result in cost savings through the reduction of materials consumption and in waste disposal costs.

The Ministry for the Environment Leaving Environment Canterbury has funded a green office guide prepared by Auckland Environmental Business Network . This guide has some excellent resources and covers not only waste management but also other aspects of environmental management in the office such as energy efficiency and environmental purchasing.

Environment Canterbury has been setting an example of what can be done within a city office building to manage waste and so reduce our impacts on the environment. Our in-house waste minimisation initiatives have resulted in a 60% reduction in waste sent to landfill. Find out more about our WECAN project.

What are you doing with your office waste?

Paper

The increased use of computers, emailing and other electronic technologies was meant to lead to the 'paperless office'. However the reality is different with paper use in fact increasing. UK based research has found that paper waste accounts for 80% of the waste generated from offices.

Practical tips for reducing paper waste in the office include:

Use both sides of the paper for photocopying and printing
Reduce the production of unnecessary photocopies, memos and notes
Use scrap paper printed on only one side for notepads, rough or trial printing
Use email and notice boards for internal correspondence
2UP when printing draft copies of reports or letters
Reuse office stationary such as internal envelopes, files and wallet folders

Setting up a paper recycling scheme in the office:

Let staff know the benefits of waste management and the consequences of poor practices. For example, by recycling paper waste the overall costs of waste disposal are decreased.
Position containers or storage boxes in easily accessible locations; e.g. next to photocopier or printer.
Label paper waste containers or use special containers provided by the paper recycling company collecting the waste
Allocate storage space for full paper waste containers until collection takes place.
Don't forget to tell the cleaners that there is a paper recycling scheme in place and that segregated paper should not be disposed of as general waste.
Monitor progress and provide feedback to staff on the success (or lack of success) of the scheme.

Click here for Christchurch based paper and cardboard, electronic equipment and toner/cartridge recyclers