AbleToTrain by Willing & Able

The most common office waste and how to properly dispose of it

It is unavoidable for office waste to accumulate. After all, it takes a lot of paperwork, packaging, and other things to keep an office running smoothly and profitably. Knowing more about your waste and how to manage it can help you free up more space, time, and even resources.

Paper and printing supplies

You can expect a lot of paper and printing product waste at the end of the day, no matter how big or small your company is. These materials are necessary for dealing with paperwork ranging from simple meeting memoranda to business inventories.

While disposing of reams of paper every week is nothing unusual, your business may still save a significant amount of resources by lowering the amount of paper and printing product waste generated. With less rubbish, you will require less room for skip bin hire, lowering prices even further.

Here are some basic methods for reducing office paper and printing product waste:

  • Make use of both sides of the page.

  • Reuse paper by shredding waste documents and reusing shipping and package boxes.

  • Divide recyclable paper goods.

  • Email memoranda and draft papers to recipients.

  • Online instructions, such as employee handbooks.

  • Provide air dryers or reusable towels to reduce the use of paper towels.

Office supplies

Everything from desks to computers requires an upgrade as time passes. As a result, office equipment is classified as ordinary office waste.

However, office equipment is expensive to purchase and dispose of (the bigger the waste, the larger the skip bin needed, for example). Reducing the cost of office equipment turnover and waste management can go a long way.

There are various techniques to extend the life of office equipment and increase its value. Here are some quick ideas for dealing with this waste:

Purchase used furniture

When furnishing the office, look for low-cost or used furniture, as well as remanufactured cubicles. This helps to reduce total waste in society.

Purchase secondhand or older models of copiers, fax machines, and printers.

You can choose the less expensive option as long as the equipment is still functional. This is especially true for offices that deal primarily with internal messages and paperwork.

Recycle electronic devices and equipment

Local recycling centers frequently have processes in place to manage everything from used cellphones to desktop computers. Inquire with your waste management company about your possibilities.

Purchase high-quality, long-lasting equipment

Strike a balance between saving money now and saving money later. More durable equipment frequently equals less waste because the equipment has a slower replacement rate.

Unsorted waste

Common amenities in most offices include a pantry or a water station. These areas also see a lot of traffic during break periods, which can result in a lot of waste. Reducing waste in these places can be accomplished by offering reusable utensils and dishware, as well as drinking water stations to reduce the use of water bottles.

Maintenance waste, such as cleaning materials, is another type of office waste. The various sorts of waste generated in the office can be efficiently handled with careful planning.