When you’re running a business, waste can quickly become a headache—especially when it’s your staff contributing to the pile-up. From endless coffee cups to stacks of printed paper, employee habits can generate more rubbish than you’d like. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can encourage your team to cut down on waste without turning into the office nag. Here’s how to get started.
1. Lead by Example
If you want your staff to take waste reduction seriously, show them how it’s done. Use a reusable water bottle instead of plastic ones, bring your lunch in a reusable container, and avoid printing unless it’s essential. When employees see you walking the talk, they’re more likely to follow suit.
2. Make It Easy to Do the Right Thing
People are more likely to reduce waste if it’s convenient. Set up a proper system with clearly labelled bins—recycling for paper, plastic, and glass, a compost bin for food scraps, and a small general waste bin as a last resort. Place them where staff naturally go, like the kitchen or near desks. If it’s a faff to recycle, they won’t bother. Working with a waste management company in Scotland could help here.
3. Ditch Disposable Habits
Single-use items are a massive waste culprit. Swap out disposable coffee cups, plastic cutlery, and paper plates in the break room for reusable alternatives. Provide mugs, glasses, and proper cutlery—and maybe even a dishwasher if your budget allows. A small nudge like this can stop staff reaching for throwaway stuff out of habit.
4. Go Paperless Where Possible
Paper waste is a biggie in many offices. Push for a digital-first approach: share documents via email or cloud platforms like Google Drive, use e-signatures for contracts, and encourage note-taking on laptops or tablets. If printing’s unavoidable, set printers to double-sided by default to halve the paper use.
5. Educate Without Lecturing
Nobody likes a sermon, but a quick, friendly chat can work wonders. Hold a short team meeting or send a casual email explaining why cutting waste matters—think cost savings, environmental perks, and staying on the right side of UK regulations. Highlight simple swaps, like using a refillable pen instead of chucking out biros.
6. Tackle Food Waste Head-On
If your staff bring lunches or snack in the office, food waste can add up. Encourage them to only take what they’ll eat (no more “eyes bigger than belly” at the canteen) and use a food waste bin for scraps. Better yet, set up a mini fridge or labelled containers so leftovers don’t get binned straight away.
7. Reward Good Habits
A bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. Praise staff who consistently recycle or bring reusable items—maybe give a shoutout in a team meeting. For extra motivation, run a low-waste challenge with a small prize (like a coffee voucher) for the winner. Keep it fun, not forced.
8. Cut Down on Packaging
If your business involves deliveries or supplies, staff might be unpacking heaps of cardboard and plastic. Ask suppliers for minimal or recyclable packaging, and train your team to break down boxes for recycling rather than binning them whole. A quick demo can stop good intentions going to waste—literally.
9. Limit Free-for-All Supplies
Ever noticed how fast free pens, notepads, and sticky notes disappear? Keep office supplies in a central spot rather than on every desk, so staff only take what they need. It’s a small tweak that stops overstocking and chucking out unused extras.
10. Check In Regularly
Habits don’t change overnight. Every few weeks, have a quick look at your bins—are they stuffed with recyclables that should’ve been sorted? Chat with your team about what’s working and what’s not. A little nudge here and there keeps everyone on track without feeling like a chore.
Wrapping Up
Stopping staff from producing so much waste isn’t about cracking the whip—it’s about making it second nature. With the right tools, a bit of encouragement, and a system that works, you’ll see the rubbish pile shrink in no time. Plus, you’ll save a few quid and keep your business green—something worth celebrating in 2025!
