By Ushma Pandya Mehta, Co-Founder and Partner
At Think Zero, we do compliance checks for buildings to make sure they are adhering to local commercial recycling rules. For example, in NYC, there are Commercial Recycling Rules that define what offices need to do with respect to having a recycling program, bin labelling and signage, and the process for moving waste through the building.
As part of our work, we walk through many tenant spaces and observe how well materials are being put into the right bin. To help with better sorting and less contamination, we encourage offices to centralize their bins -- the topic of removing deskside bins is a hot topic! Employees can get quite attached to the deskside bin which is normally for paper but invariably becomes a “catch all” bin because when there is only one bin available, it becomes a bin for everything.
For those who do centralize bins, they benefit from better sorting of waste, streamlined operations and potentially lower labor costs because cleaning teams do not need to visit every desk to empty it. We are seeing more companies move towards centralized bins especially when they have open floor plans and pod -like seating arrangements where it is easier for staff to access centralized bins.
Pros of Centralized Trash and Recycling Bins
Encourages Recycling and Sorting: One of the primary reasons offices implement centralized bins is to encourage better recycling habits. When employees need to walk to a specific area for waste disposal, they are more likely to notice recycling options and separate their trash accordingly because there are multiple bins grouped together. A case study at Google measuring the efficacy of a 4 bin system (landfill, paper, compost, recyclables) indicated the diversion rate went from 10% to 78%. Oracle’s office in California did a pilot for centralized bins and saw a 6% reduction in contamination in its recycle bins.
Reduces Waste Collection Costs: Centralized bins can reduce the frequency of bin collection, as fewer bins need emptying. This, in turn, lowers janitorial costs. Instead of having wastebaskets at every desk that need regular servicing, one or two large bins in common areas can be managed less frequently. This can also reduce the number of bin liners that are used every day. The cost savings depends on the individual set up at each building (e.g. the cost savings are calculated based on the number of liners not used as a result of the reduction of deskside bins and the reduction of hours spent by cleaning teams on each floor)
Promotes Accountability: When individuals are responsible for disposing of their waste in a shared space, there’s a psychological incentive to make more thoughtful decisions about waste disposal. Publicly tossing recyclable items into the wrong bin, for example, can discourage careless behavior. There is also most space to have signage above the bins that reminds staff of what to put into each bin.
Aids in Space Efficiency: Fewer bins scattered around desks free up space and reduce clutter. Offices with open floor plans may particularly benefit from central bins, as they help maintain a clean and organized look.
Some Drawbacks of Centralized Trash and Recycling Bins
Employee inconvenience with centralized bins: they may work well in theory, but the practice of walking away from a desk every time something needs to be thrown away can frustrate employees. In some cases, this inconvenience may lead to stockpiling trash at desks, which contradicts the goal of maintaining cleanliness. On the flip side, it can be a way for employees to take a quick break or have a “water cooler” moment where they can connect with colleagues.
Initial Cost of Implementation: While the long-term savings can be significant, switching to centralized waste management requires upfront costs. These include purchasing new, larger bins, training staff on proper sorting protocols, and possibly adjusting cleaning staff routines.
Overcrowding and Odor: Centralized bins can sometimes become overfilled, especially in large offices, if the bins are not big enough or not serviced during the day.
Centralizing bins can help support sustainability goals by reducing contamination and capture more recyclables (and organics if offered).
Change is always hard to implement, especially when people are used to the deskside bin but with some planning and training it can be done! We have noticed that when businesses make the move to centralize bins, having clear and consistent signage and locating bins conveniently across the office space is critical for it to be successful. We define success as better sorting of waste!
When one of our clients moved from one building to a brand new building, they made the move to centralized bins (which was new to their 4,000 staff). They made the bins consistent in placement (i.e. the trash bin on the left, then paper, recyclable and compost) so that on every floor it is the same which helps aid in behavior change. We worked together on clear signage to be placed on and above each bin (we even made sure bins that were placed in pull out cabinets in conference rooms were labelled individually and visible when the drawer is opened). We supported this with additional signage in every pantry (on every floor) to explain the set up and the proper way to sort. As employees moved into the new space, there was training on the new bin set up as part of orientation to signal the new process – which not only included centralized bins but also organics separation (which was new to the organization).
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