Domestic waste is responsible for less than 10% of Britain’s rubbish; the other 90% is generated by businesses.
It is this surprising statistic that has led serviced office provider Business Environment to completely remove waste bins from its Bow Lane head office. Recycling points now feature throughout the building to encourage employees to adopt a more holistic approach to recycling, being as diligent at work to sort and recycle their litter as they are at home.
David Saul, Manager Director of Business Environment, said: “Recent Defra research shows that businesses across the UK have the potential to save up to £18bn a year by taking steps to reduce waste. By removing bins, we are helping foster a green office culture by empowering our employees to take a more holistic view to recycling, taking responsibility for all the waste they produce in and out of the home, while benefiting our bottom line.”
It is estimated that the new initiative will save the head office more than £1,000 a year and reduce waste by 86%. This is because recycling collection costs approximately one third of a normal trade waste collection. Business Environment has pledged to donate the savings to Trees for Cities, an independent charity which inspires people to plant and appreciate trees in urban areas across the world.
The scheme will be rolled out across the company’s 21 business centres in 2012, with Business Environment providing the recycling facilities to all those clients wanting to participate.
