South Africa’s paper recovery rate is well above the global average at 68.4% of recoverable paper. This means that 1.4 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging was diverted from landfill in 2016, with a majority of this being paper packaging. This would cover 254 soccer fields.
However, it is estimated that less than 10% of businesses recycle their used paper and cardboard. “This represent a significant opportunity for business, commercial office parks and retail outlets to make a difference by not only recycling but setting up systems and infrastructure to make it happen,” says Ursula Henneberry, operations director for the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA).
Recycling reduces waste going to landfill, provides raw material for new products and sustains jobs – in the formal sector, for small enterprises and waste pickers.
Four common recycling mistakes in an office environment
Henneberry outlines four common recycling blunders with helpful tips to make sure that paper and board remain in a clean and dry condition for effective reprocessing.
Putting non-recyclable paper products into the recycling bin
Some paper-based items should not be recycled due to contamination and elements like waxes, foils and glues: dirty paper plates, cigarette butts, tissues, toilet paper, paper towel, sticky notes, carbon paper, as well as foil-lined, wax-coated and laminated paper.
Educate and empower:
- Educate employees and cleaning teams around what is recyclable and what is not.
- Use printable material available on www.recyclepaper.co.za
- Appoint a recycling champion to manage the programme.
Putting wet waste into the recycling bin
Wet waste – food, tea bags, cigarette butts and soiled take-away containers – contaminates the paper and reduces its value. Paper also starts to degrade once wet.
Keep it separate:
- Set-up a two-bin system – receptacles for paper-only and bins for food, liquid and non-recyclable waste.
Making it difficult and time-consuming for employees to recycle
We are all human. Nobody likes to walk too far to throw something away.
An Australian study showed that paper recycling rose from 28% with one bin per office to 94% when paper trays were located on desks.
Make it easier:
- Ensure that each desk has a paper-only bin.
- Install paper-only bins in key locations: printing/copying stations, meeting and break rooms, kitchen areas and reception.
- For every paper-only bin, there should be a general bin alongside it.
Not knowing what to do with your recyclables
Your office has collected all this paper but doesn’t know what to do with it.
How to correct these mistakes:
- Assign a sheltered area to keep recycled paper clean and dry.
- Partner with a collection agent – a big company, a smaller business or an informal collector.
- Support a local school or charity’s recycling fundraising initiatives.
