How To Dispose Of Different Types Of Office Waste

Paper waste 

Making up around 70% of overall office rubbish, the accumulation of paper waste can easily become an issue in any workspace. The best way to combat this is to ensure that all paper is disposed of in the appropriate waste bins as soon as possible, but to do this, you’ll need to know what type of paper is and isn’t recyclable. 

Recyclable paper types include:

• Cardboard

Used for various types of packaging, once recycled, cardboard can be turned into things like tissues, cereal boxes or new paper. If your cardboard has been used as food packaging, it’s important to ensure there is no food or liquid on the cardboard before it’s recycled. 

• Printer paper 

Whether it’s been printed on or not, printer paper can be recycled. It’s often recycled into new paper.

• Leaflets, magazines and newspapers

Despite magazines, leaflets and newspapers having a different texture to other paper types, they can also be recycled. Magazines and leaflets are often recycled into newsprint, tissue and even stationary, while old newspapers can be repurposed into new ones.

• Envelopes

Many people think that envelopes can’t be recycled because of the plastic window and adhesive gum, only the paper waste, but this isn’t the case. The plastic window and the adhesive can both be easily removed by the recycling plant.

The only exception to this is when an envelope is padded. Before recycling a padded envelope, the padding should always be removed and disposed of separately.

• Confidential papers

Though not strictly its own paper type, papers containing sensitive information do need to be disposed of in a different way to other kinds of paper waste. In order to prevent information from getting into the wrong hands, a paper shredder should be used to destroy sensitive documents. 

Though shredded paper can be recycled in some places, this isn’t always possible. It’s therefore recommended that you contact your local council or recycling plant to ask about recycling your shredded paper.

While recycling as much as possible is always encouraged, there are some paper types that can’t be recycled. These include:

• Paper or card that has been contaminated with paint, food or liquids (this does not include paper that has been printed or drawn on)
• Napkins
• Tissues 
• Kitchen roll
• Receipts
• Any paper with a wax covering
• Laminated paper

Plastic waste 

Just like paper waste, plastic comes in various forms, some of which can be recycled. Plastic generally comes with a numerical stamp from one to seven, indicating what it’s made of and whether it’s recyclable. Here’s what the different numbers mean:

• PET/PETE

Most often used to make single-use bottles, this type of plastic is very easy to recycle at home or at work. 

• HDPE

This is used to create containers for various products such as juices, shampoos, or even bleach. It’s also used to make plastic bags. While the containers can be easily rinsed out and put in the office recycling bin, thin plastic bags will need to be recycled at a dedicated centre, which can often be found in large supermarkets. 

• PVC/V

A strong material used for things like drain pipes or playground equipment, PVC can’t be recycled by putting it in your office recycling bin. It will need to be taken to the local recycling centre or tip. However, this isn’t a common type of waste found in an office. 

• LDPE

A very flexible plastic used for products such as toothpaste tubes and frozen food storage bags. Sadly, these will have to be thrown into a general waste bin and taken to landfill as they are very rarely recyclable. 

• PP

PP’s high melting point means that it’s often used to store hot liquids. It’s also used for bottle caps and medicine bottles. Once cleaned, these products can be collected by most councils for recycling. 

• PS

With its slightly spongy texture, PS is used to make products such as egg cartons and takeaway containers. This is extremely difficult if not impossible to recycle, therefore it is best if PS products are put in with general waste. 

• Miscellaneous 

Any plastic type not fitting into the above categories will be classed as miscellaneous. Miscellaneous plastics cannot be recycled.

Office furniture waste

This describes mainly bulky, large items of furniture found in offices. Often made from materials like metal, wood, plastic or glass, their size and weight make office furniture removal pretty difficult. Depending on the material and condition, some office furniture may be suitable for recycling or donation. 

WEEE/Electrical waste

Standing for ‘Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment,’ this simply refers to electrical waste. In an office, WEEE waste might be comprised of things like:

• Laptops/computers
• Telephones
• Hot drink dispensers 
• Smoke alarms
• Thermostats
• Kitchen items such as toasters and kettles

Lots of WEEE waste will have a crossed out wheelie bin symbol stamped onto it, in which case, it cannot be put into a bin like regular paper waste. It will therefore have to be taken to a waste and recycling centre.

Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste refers to waste that poses potential harm to humans, animals or the environment. You’d be forgiven for thinking that hazardous waste won’t be present in your office, but hazardous waste probably includes more substances than you realise. Some examples of hazardous waste that may be present in an office can include:

• Print toner
• Batteries
• Bleach
• Some cleaning products
• Electrical equipment
• Energy-saving light bulbs

In order to get rid of your hazardous waste, you will need to fill out a consignment note. It should then be picked up by an authorised waste disposal company.

White goods

If you’re moving offices or are refurbishing your current one, you may be getting rid of what’s known as ‘white goods.’ This includes kitchen appliances such as fridges and freezers, which are separate from electrical waste. 

If you’re staying in the same office and buying a new fridge or freezer, those installing your new items may dispose of your old fridge/freezer for you. If this isn’t possible, it will need to be taken to your local waste centre, or picked up by the council or other authorised waste disposal company.