Considered as a sign of convenience and progress, at-desk bins are now a huge barrier for offices to implement effective recycling programs. Although having its downsides, a centralised bin system is the most effective tool to drive better waste segregation. Here is why.

How should you implement a centralised bin system?
- Inform employees about the upcoming change,
- Install the new bins,
- Implement an educational program to make the best use of the new bins. See our post on 5 tips for improving recycling in your office
- After an overlap period, remove at-desk bins
- Monitor and report
Be aware that some staff members may resent having bins removed from their desks and will take some time adjusting to getting up from their desks each time they need to remove rubbish or recycling.
How can we help you?
Zero Waste City is a consulting business specialised in waste reduction for commercial and industrial facilities. We help companies to save money by reducing waste and to achieve Zero Waste goals.
1) Waste audit
A waste audit is a process where we answer the following questions:
- How much and what type of waste do you generate?
- For each waste stream, what can you do to reduce waste?
- For each waste stream, what can you do to reuse or recycle waste?
- What are your overall performances and what are the cost and benefits for each opportunity?
2) Application of the 3R fund
If relevant, we can help you applying for the 3R Fund. In a nutshell,
if you have a plan to reduce your waste going to landfill by at least
100 tonnes, the 3R Fund will co-fund 80% of the costs of the project up
to $1M. See our post 3R Fund – up to 80% of your project value to reduce waste!
3) 3R plan, implementation, and on-going support
If you don’t have the resources, we can help you:
- Define a suitable recycling program strategy for your facility,
- Organise workshops with the staff
- Verify your improvement over time
- Generator regular reports on recycling and contamination performances