As the pandemic recedes, people are thinking of getting back to their official workspaces from the comforts of their homes. As more and more people get back to their offices, springs up another issue of rising office/ workplace waste. If we become a little diligent about our habits we can not only reduce the waste generated by us at our workplaces but also can recycle and reduce it. Major cities around India are facing the issue of landfills which are polluting the environment.

Let’s follow the four R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Replace, and Recycle! at work in the new post-pandemic world. Also, read Think Green, think Waste Management.

Kinds of Waste is Generated at Offices And a Solution

Paper – Paper is the most common waste generated in offices and comprises nearly 70% of the total waste. Many times prints are taken out without being actually used. Then there are accidental prints and unnecessary handouts and packaging which constitute a major portion of paper waste at offices. The solution for this could be going paperless totally, and recycling and reusing the papers. Printing double-sided can also reduce a lot of paper usage.

Food cups and plates – Office pantry is another area that generates a lot of waste. People at work often take tea/ coffee breaks which lead to dustbins fast filling up. Offices should, therefore, install recycling bins in the area to collect the used cups which can be later recycled.

Food waste – Food waste is the largest component in landfills today. Coffee grounds, fruit peels, food scraps, etc. are common waste generated at the workplace. Installing compostable bins could be a probable solution to recycle food waste.

Plastic waste– Plastic waste comprises plastic cups, bags, and packaging material in an office setting. People are unaware of their carbon footprint that is generated by using plastic water bottles, plastic cutlery, etc. much of which can be reduced by not using one-time single-use products and shifting to bringing their own water bottles, cups, and cutlery from homes.

E-waste – A very common waste generated at offices, is e-waste comprising of electronics such as wires, screens, phones, laptops, and other electrical gadgets. There are a lot of startups focusing on procuring e-waste from offices and then recycling them judiciously. The copper, aluminum, and semiconductor chips can be scooped out of the waste and can be reused. Large technology companies also conduct drives where one can drop off their e-waste.