Starter Guide: How to Help Bring Recycling to your Workplace
Recycling at work usually starts with one person noticing a gap and asking a simple question.
Start the Conversation
The first step is simply raising the idea with the right person at your workplace.
This might be:
- Your manager or supervisor
- Office management or facilities staff
- A sustainability or health & safety leader
- Senior leadership (in smaller organizations)
You can keep it simple. For example:
- “Do we currently recycle at work? / Why are we not recycling?”
- “Would it be possible to improve recycling here?”
- “I learned that Recycle Everywhere helps workplaces get started.”
That’s it. You’re not committing your workplace to anything, just opening the door to promote circular economy action for your workplace and team members.
Understand What’s Needed
If your workplace is open to the idea, it helps to know what an effective recycling program actually requires.
At a high level, every workplace recycling program needs a few things:
- Collection of materials
- Hauling of materials
- Signage and education so employees know what to do
Recycling Collection / Hauling Contract
Recycling collected throughout your workplace needs to be picked up (collected) and taken (hauled) to a sorting facility.
- This is usually done through a garbage or recycling hauler
- Many workplaces can add a recycling collection and hauling service through their existing waste provider
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Having internal interest or approval is a great place to start.
Let Recycle Everywhere Help (When You’re Ready)
Once you’ve had an initial conversation, and there’s interest from your workplace, Recycle Everywhere can help with next steps.
We encourage you to schedule a complimentary site visit to identify program needs and make recommendations.
Available program support options include:
- Free recycling bins
- Free signage to reduce confusion
- Free education and guidance on best practices
- Free optional in-person or virtual presentations for staff
- Optional cost-shared waste & recycling bin sets
Why Becoming a Workplace Champion Matters (For You)
Workplace recycling often starts from the ground up, with employees who care.
By taking initiative, you can:
- Help reduce waste where you work
- Make recycling easier for your coworkers
- Contribute to a more sustainable Manitoba
- Be a positive driver of change within your organization
Many Workplace Champions find it rewarding to see a simple idea grow into something that benefits their entire workplace. If you’re interested, you may also have the opportunity to be recognized as one of Recycle Everywhere’s Workplace Champions.
Small conversations lead to meaningful change.
When You’re Ready to Take the Next Step
If your workplace has expressed interest in improving recycling, you can contact Recycle Everywhere to explore support and next steps.
This helps ensure conversations are timely, focused, and useful for everyone involved.
