Recycling Containers – A Buying Guide For Businesses
There are many issues that need to be considered when implementing a recycling scheme in your company. For example, what types of waste will be recycled, how much waste will be produced, how many, and what type, of containers will I need, and do these need to adhere to a particular color scheme? With all these different, and sometimes confusing, factors to think about, we may forget to consider the environmental impact of the recycling containers themselves.
The majority of recycling and waste bins are manufactured from durable plastic (polypropylene), and a approximately 9% of global annual oil production is currently used in the manufacturing of plastics. Extracting this finite resource requires vast amounts of energy, and the production of plastic emits pollutants and greenhouse gases. It is easy to see how, despite being created with the intention of benefiting the environment, the manufacturing process of recycling bins has detrimental effects.
So, what can you do about this?
- Buy quality products. Look for containers that are well constructed and durable. Those used commercially will need to withstand far greater wear and tear than those used within homes. Opt for well made products which will last for years. Many recycling schemes will become self funding in just a few years from the cost savings of diverting waste from landfill.
- Choose products manufactured from recycled plastic. Many recycling containers are now manufactured with a percentage of recycled plastic. This will reduce the need for extraction of virgin materials and also reduces energy consumption and emissions. For example, producing recycled plastic bags uses around 60% less energy and 90% less water compared to virgin production.
- Purchase second-hand containers. The optimal way to minimize environmental impacts in waste management is through re-using existing products. If you can source good quality second-hand containers then this prevents the bins from simply being discarded and provides you with a very cost effective scheme. You would be surprised at how many large corporations find themselves with an excess of containers from an altered pilot recycling project.
Ware 4 Recycling Bins Ltd have been promoting cost effective bins, trolleys and waste containers for over 5 years. For more info, visit Ware 4 Ltd
