Human Resource (HR) and Facilities Management teams are often seen as the bridge between company policies and employee actions. Their involvement can help ensure recycling initiatives are not just implemented but embraced by the workforce.
With Simpler Recycling legislation set to make it illegal to send food waste to landfill, from 31 March 2025, businesses that generate food waste, such as restaurants, schools, and offices, will have to use specific food waste containers rather than general waste bins. In addition, other recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, metals, and plastics, should go into a dry mixed recycling bin and glass should be placed into a separate container on its own. However, once the bins are in place they have to be filled. And the new regulations require a change in behaviour from the employees.
HR and Facilities teams are uniquely positioned to help businesses adopt this change by fostering sustainable habits and creating a workplace culture that prioritises recycling.
Why HR and Facilities Matter in Recycling Efforts
Here’s how these teams can influence workplace recycling:
- HR: Drives employee education and engagement, ensuring teams understand recycling protocols and their role in helping to deliver company sustainability policy.
- Facilities Management: Ensures the physical infrastructure - such as bins, signage, and waste collections - is in place to support proper waste segregation.
Together, these departments can foster a culture of responsibility and compliance while aligning recycling efforts with broader corporate sustainability goals.
How to Get Your Team to Recycle Correctly at Work
Making workplace recycling effective requires clear communication, the right tools, and ongoing support. Here are actionable steps HR and Facilities teams can take to improve recycling habits:
- Educate and Train Employees
Ensure everyone understands what goes where and explain why it’s important. Conduct workshops, share guides, and provide regular reminders. Highlight the importance of separating food waste from other materials and the environmental impact of improper disposal. Make it easy to access resources that explain Simpler Recycling requirements. Keep the tone light to ensure you bring your teams with you on the recycling journey. - Make Recycling Convenient
Place clearly labelled bins in accessible locations—such as kitchens, break rooms, and high-traffic areas. Ensure separate bins for food waste, dry recyclables, and general waste are consistently available and well-maintained. - Use Clear Signage
Visual cues are powerful. Use colour-coded bins and straightforward signage to help employees quickly identify where to dispose of their waste. For diverse workforces, consider multilingual signs or icons. - Appoint Recycling Champions
Identify employees passionate about sustainability to act as recycling champions. They can monitor compliance, answer questions, and motivate others to follow best practices. - Monitor and Feedback
Regularly assess how well the organisation is recycling. Share updates and celebrate milestones - for example, “We’ve reduced general waste by 30% this quarter!” This keeps the team motivated and focused.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability as a Corporate Responsibility
Simpler Recycling is part of a larger movement toward corporate social responsibility (CSR). By adopting better recycling practices, businesses can:
- Reduce landfill costs, especially with rising landfill taxes
- Improve recycling rates to make waste management easier and more efficient
- Achieve sustainability goals while fostering a greener future.
Partnering with Hills Waste for Simpler Recycling Success
Navigating the transition to Simpler Recycling doesn’t have to be daunting. Hills Waste Solutions can help HR and Facilities teams to support their companies recycling and sustainability objectives . From providing the right bins to offering expert advice, we’re here to make recycling simple and sustainable. With an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and a 97% success rate, we offer the reliability and expertise of a local company dedicated to simplifying waste management and supporting your environmental goals.
Contact us today for peace of mind and a smooth transition to the 2025 regulations.
Our Customer Support team on 0808 145 4533 or complete our contact form here.
