Recycling Bins – A Quick Guide For Company Recycling Schemes
There are numerous issues that need to be considered when setting up a new recycling scheme in your company. For example, what waste streams will be recycled, how much waste will be produced, how many, and what type, of containers will be required, and do these need to adhere to a particular color scheme? With all these different, and sometimes confusing, aspects to think about, we may forget to consider the actual environmental impact of the recycling bins themselves.
A large proportion of recycling and waste bins are manufactured from plastic, and a approximately 8% of global oil production is currently used in the manufacturing of plastics. Extracting this finite resource requires vast quantities of energy, and the process of plastic production uses harmful chemicals, whilst emitting pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide. Therefore, despite being created for an environmentally beneficial use, the manufacturing of recycling bins has detrimental effects.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to minimize the negative effects that result from recycling bins…
- Purchase second-hand containers. The best way you can minimize environmental impacts in waste management is through re-use. If you can find good quality second-hand recycling containers then this prevents the bins from simply being discarded. You would be surprised at how many large corporations find themselves with an excess of containers as a result of an altered pilot recycling project.
– Purchase quality products. Look for containers that are durable and well constructed. Those used commercially will need to withstand far greater wear and tear than those used in the home. Opt for well made products which are less likely to need replacing and will last for years to come.
- Look for products with recycled plastic content. Many containers are now manufactured with a percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic. This will reduce the need for extraction of virgin materials and will also reduce energy consumption and emissions. As an example, producing recycled plastic bags uses around 60% less energy, and 90% less water, compared to virgin production.
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