Northamptonshire County Council does not operate any schemes to recycle commercial waste. However we do encourage all businesses to investigate ways of putting their waste to be better use instead of sending it to landfill.
There are a number of waste management companies that offer commercial waste collection services to local businesses. Their details can be found in any directory such as the Yellow Pages.
Tips for offices:
Around 70% of office waste can be recycled, but on average only 7.5% actually ends up in a recycling facility (Envirowise).
- Set the office printer to print on both sides of the paper by default.
- Use electronic communication where possible to reduce printing and faxing.
- Don't print out emails unless absolutely necessary. Add "Think before you print" to the bottom of email signatures as a prompt to others.
- Avoid over-production of marketing and publicity material by reviewing distribution lists and regularly updating databases.
- Collect all paper that has been printed on one side and reuse it for printing in draft, or for scrap message pads.
- Reuse envelopes wherever possible, especially for sending information internally.
- Place recycling bins in all offices.
- Ensure that vending machines allow the use of china mugs rather than plastic vending cups.
- Avoid purchasing disposable catering products such as milk jiggers, sugar sachets and paper plates.
You should also consider donating any surplus or scrap materials to a charity or exchange waste resources with other companies.