Reducing Waste in the Workplace: A Cleaner Office, A Greener Planet

Minimizing workplace waste is essential for maintaining a cleaner office space and supporting environmental sustainability. In Brighton & Hove, new initiatives and impending regulations highlight the growing need for businesses to prioritize waste reduction.

A food waste bin filled with a variety of organic waste, including vegetable peels, orange rinds, and scraps, ready for environmentally-friendly disposal.

Brighton & Hove's Circular Economy Initiatives

In June 2022, Brighton & Hove City Council launched the Circular Economy Routemap and Action Plan, aiming to transition the city away from a 'take, make, consume and throw-away' society toward one that minimizes waste and pollution. The plan focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible and supports the regeneration and protection of natural resources. By 2030, the city aims to halve food waste, reduce consumption of primary raw materials by 50%, and achieve a re-use and recycling rate of 50% for municipal materials.

Community Initiatives Supporting Waste Reduction

The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership's "Food Use Places" project, launched in March 2024, collaborates with community organizations to tackle food waste by promoting 'Food Use Confidence.' This initiative aims to minimize food's impact on the climate through simple, actionable steps. One highlighted initiative is the development of a cookery leader training course by the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership Community Kitchen. This course is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to increase their confidence in utilizing food effectively, thereby reducing waste. Additionally, the project emphasizes the importance of reusing food packaging to combat plastic waste. By encouraging simple practices such as reusing containers, individuals can significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

Upcoming Waste Separation Regulations in the City

Starting from March 31, 2025, new regulations will require businesses in Brighton&Hove to separate recyclable materials from general waste. Businesses must arrange separate collections for:

• Glass, metal, and plastic

• Cardboard and paper

• Food waste

  
  

According to BHCC (Brighton&Hove City Council) price for these bins includes:

• bin hire and delivery

• waste collection and disposal

• a duty of care certificate

• a trade waste agreement

• administration fees

  
  

Companies need to contact BHCC to apply for the collection service. No VAT is charged on it. Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees have an extended deadline until March 31, 2027, to comply with these requirements.

A group of people raises a handcrafted Earth globe made from recycled materials, symbolizing unity and commitment to environmental protection.

Green Bags for a Green Planet

In addition to what we stated above, businesses will need to get official trade waste sacks straight from BHCC. Businesses operating in a communal bin area, will be able to purchase commercial waste sacks to dispose of business waste. These green sacks, available through the council’s website, can be placed directly into large on-street communal refuse bins.

One sack costs £3.10 and there is no VAT to pay. They are 100 litres in size, sold in rolls of 50, have no monthly administration fees, can be deposited in on-street communal refuse bins and come with a Duty of Care certificate. Once ordered, bags will be delivered within a week.

It is important to be aware that:

• companies will need a Duty of Care certificate if new to the service

• these bags are really expensive so need to be used to their full extent

• it is an offence for businesses to use council’s communal bins without buying sacks from them

  
  

  

  Modern office setting with colleagues collaborating and working on laptops, showcasing a bright and productive workspace.

Practical Steps for Offices to Reduce Waste

To align with these initiatives and regulations, businesses can implement the following strategies:

1. Establish Comprehensive Recycling Programs: Set up clearly labeled bins for different recyclables and educate employees on proper sorting techniques.

2. Minimize Single-Use Items: Encourage the use of reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and utensils.

3. Optimize Energy Consumption: Switch to energy-efficient lighting and equipment, and implement policies to turn off electronics when not in use.

4. Conduct Regular Waste Audits: Assess the types and quantities of waste produced to identify areas for improvement and track progress.

By following these steps and staying in line with local initiatives, offices in Brighton & Hove can cut down on waste, support the city’s sustainability efforts, and create a cleaner, healthier workspace. Plus, going green isn’t just good for the planet - it also boosts a company’s reputation and can even help save money in the long run.