The Office Waste Audit
Before designing an office recycling program, conduct a mini waste audit. Examine the contents of a few typical trash cans and identify what's in them. Office waste is typically: paper and cardboard (30–40%), food packaging (20–25%), glass and cans from break rooms (10%), organic food waste from cafeterias (15–20%), and a mix of other items.
The waste audit tells you where to focus — usually paper and organic waste are the biggest opportunities.
Printer Cartridge Recycling
Printer and toner cartridges contain plastic, metal, and residual ink or toner — none of which should go to landfill. Most cartridge brands have mail-back or drop-off programs: HP, Brother, Lexmark, and Canon all operate free take-back programs. Office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot) accept cartridges for recycling and often offer reward points.
Empty ink cartridges have a small secondary market — some companies pay a few cents per cartridge for refurbishing.
E-Waste in the Office
IT equipment turnover generates significant e-waste: old computers, monitors, phones, tablets, keyboards. Develop a standard IT disposition process: wipe data, assess for donation (working equipment can go to local schools or non-profits), and send non-functional equipment to a certified e-waste recycler.
Schedule an annual 'e-waste collection day' where employees bring in personal electronics for recycling alongside company equipment.
Making It Easy for Employees
The most effective office recycling programs make recycling easier than trashing. Put recycling bins next to every printer. In conference rooms, make recycling the default container. In break rooms, make sorting intuitive with clear visual guides.
Eliminate individual under-desk trash cans — replacing them with only recycling bins (with a central shared trash container) is a proven method for dramatically increasing recycling rates.