How can you optimise paper recycling in your office?

Recycling paper at work isn’t just eco-friendly—it’s smart business. It reduces waste, cuts costs, conserves resources, and helps build a responsible workplace.

The Benefits of Paper Recycling

1. Environmental Impact
Recycling paper saves trees, water, and energy. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. As Marine Varret, Responsible Sourcing Manager, notes: “We’re cutting energy use, improving waste management, and reducing printed materials to shrink our footprint.”

2. Cost Savings
Recycling lowers disposal costs and using recycled paper can be cheaper than buying new. Over time, the savings add up—especially for large organisations.

3. Legal Compliance
Environmental regulations are tightening. A solid recycling system helps your company stay compliant and avoid penalties.

4. Brand Reputation
Customers and partners care about sustainability. Promoting your recycling efforts boosts your image and appeals to eco-conscious talent.

5. Employee Engagement
Involving staff in green initiatives promotes teamwork and encourages sustainable habits at work and beyond.

How to Set Up an Effective Recycling System

Install the Right Bins
Place clearly labelled bins near printers, copiers, and shared spaces. Consider desk-side bins for easy daily sorting.

Educate and Motivate Employees
Run training sessions, post sorting guides, and create recycling ambassadors to keep everyone engaged.

Schedule Regular Collection
Adapt collection frequency to your paper volume. Assign staff or work with a recycling service to manage the process.

Handle Confidential Documents Securely
Use shredders for sensitive paperwork and partner with certified services for proper destruction and documentation.

Choose the Right Recycling Partner
Work with a reputable, certified company that provides detailed recycling reports and meets environmental standards.

Think Bigger: Integrate with Overall Waste Management
Align paper recycling with other efforts—plastic bottles, coffee cups, cardboard, ink cartridges, and food waste—to build a comprehensive strategy.

Best Practices for Everyday Recycling

Use Less Paper
Go digital when possible:

• Email instead of printing

• Use e-signatures

• Share documents online

• Review processes for paper-saving opportunities

Choose Recycled Paper
Buy high-quality recycled paper and support eco-friendly suppliers.

Default to Double-Sided Printing
Set all printers to print double-sided and remind staff to check print settings.

Reuse Draft Paper
Collect one-sided prints for reuse as scratch paper or drafts.

Sort Correctly
Post clear signs showing what can and can’t be recycled. Commonly recyclable: white paper, newspapers, magazines. Avoid: thermal paper, food-soiled paper.

Digitise Documents
Use scanners and a document management system to reduce paper use and improve access to files.

Keep Awareness High
Share results, celebrate milestones, and keep sustainability top-of-mind with regular campaigns.

Work With Sustainable Suppliers
Choose FSC or PEFC certified paper and eco-conscious print providers.

Make It Part of Your Culture
Introduce recycling in onboarding and encourage employee-led initiatives.

Download our white paper: “Waste Management in Companies”
Learn how to implement effective, sustainable practices across your business.