5 practical recycling strategies for businesses of all sizes

1. Review your current waste and recycling strategies

Once upon a time waste management strategies were only necessary for large organisations with hundreds of employees and many tons of waste to handle on a weekly basis. However, regulatory compliance and the need to operate in an efficient, cost-effective manner has caught up with even small businesses since 2025 when the Simpler Recycling scheme came into effect for companies of 10 or more employees.

As a result, the majority of UK organisations now have a duty and a legal requirement to use waste containers, reduce contributions to landfill and support recycling efforts wherever possible. These containers include:

• Residual (non-recyclable) waste bins
• Food waste containers
• Paper and card containers
• Glass containers
• A container for other dry recyclable materials such as plastic and metal

But it’s important to remember that simply installing recycling bins isn’t enough – the next step is to consider how to manage that waste, how to encourage effective use by teams and where effective waste collection can support financial and environmental targets.

If those goals have disappeared out of sight for your business, then you may be overdue a review of your current waste strategy. 

2. Improve waste segregation and recycling stations

Consider setting up clear, labelled containers for different waste streams. When the set-up is clear, it’s much easier to participate in better recycling efforts across different teams.

Much of the commercial waste created in modern offices comes in the form of cans, paper, office supplies, etc., and these are easy to recycle for employees when the option is there to do so in the first place.

3. Engage employees

Incorporating recycling practices and initiatives into the workplace is the first step into making recycling a part of the company culture. While most of us are aware of the climate crisis, when the issue isn’t in front of us, it’s easy to forget. Instead, raise awareness on the recycling activities taking place and nurture it by setting up reminders in the form of posters and staff briefings. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins!

4. Partner with a reliable waste collection service

It’s no secret that having good internal recycling practices is only half of the process. External support from a reliable commercial waste collection provider is essential and that’s where we step in. At Everflow, we provide flexible waste collection tailored to businesses of all sizes and industries while committing to offsetting carbon emissions associated with the collection and disposal of your waste.

Partnering with us means having the peace of mind in knowing that your commercial waste is recycled responsibly, with sustainability in mind and in compliance with the UK regulations.

5. Regularly review and optimise

Remember that recycling is not a one-off project. It is something that needs continuous monitoring, so make sure your business has someone that regularly reviews recycling data, updates the containers and adjusts collections schedules as necessary.

It might also be a good idea to set a monthly target as a way to track recycling performance and then reward employees for meeting them. This could extend to trying to cut the overall waste and using sustainable office materials.

This March, Global Recycling Day should be a reminder that the process of moving towards a greener future isn’t a complicated one – it’s just one that requires consistency and commitment across all teams and departments.